This Just in: One of Australia's Most Renowned Restaurateurs Goes Greek, Announcing Plans for a Seafood-Forward, Contemporary Venue
Noẽma will take inspiration from the contemporary dining scene emerging across Greece with a seafood-forward menu.
Melbourne's mid-town is set to become a new hot hospitality precinct, with plans for another vibrant venue opening just announced. Chris Lucas, one of Australia's most prolific restaurateurs, will go Greek with his next venture, finally leaning into his heritage to bring Melbourne a taste of contemporary Greek cuisine.
We recently brought you the exciting news that Lucas, along with his partner, Sarah, would open a Hong Kong-inspired eatery, Wishbone, later this year. Their Greek restaurant, Noẽma, will join Wishbone in the dining precinct at the base of Cbus Property's 435 Bourke Street development in mid-town, in Spring 2026.
Named for the Greek word meaning thought, understanding, and contemplation, Noẽma has certainly been a long-contemplated project by Lucas, whose friends, family, and patrons have always encouraged him to open a Greek restaurant that draws on his heritage.
"I've always wanted to do it, but the time had to be right. I've always chosen to create restaurants thoughtfully, based on what inspires me, rather than doing the obvious or recreating what already exists. The food at Noẽma will reflect the energy of Greece today and the food I love to eat, while also capturing the warmth, generosity and love that defined my upbringing in a family of food-obsessed Greeks," says Lucas.
Noẽma will take inspiration from the contemporary dining scene emerging across Greece, particularly in Athens, with a seafood-forward menu that celebrates charcoal cooking and features a custom charcoal grill at the centre of the kitchen. Lucas will showcase Australian produce alongside carefully chosen ingredients from Greece, such as olive oil imported straight from south of Athens.
"The modern era has seen Greek cuisine undergo a transformation that is captivating the world. Today, Athens, and Greece more broadly, are producing some of the most exciting food seen anywhere in the world. There is a respect for tradition, but it's expressed through simplicity, incredible produce and a contemporary point of view. Athens itself is pulsing with energy and creativity rather than feeling weighed down by the past," says Lucas.
Images: Supplied.
Noẽma is slated to open in Spring 2026. In the meantime, check out the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne, and watch this space for further details as they emerge.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
- Melbourne's Best Heated Swimming Pools for Winter
- The Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne
- The 18 Most Whimsical, Witchy and Gothic Places in Melbourne
- The Best Cafes for Working or Studying in Melbourne
- Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Melbourne
- The 20 Best (and Cosiest) Bars and Pubs with Fireplaces in Melbourne