Disuko

Overview

Now here's one to add to your must-try list: Disuko, a glammed-up Japanese disco diner, will swing open its doors on Bourke Street on Tuesday, November 18. When you take an iconic Melbourne venue that has been reimagined by an experienced hospitality group, and pair it with a talented chef and an ultra-cool, eighties-inspired fit-out, you've got a pretty foolproof recipe for success. 

Taking over the former Madame Brussels spot was going to be big shoes to fill for anyone. For Melburnians, an afternoon at the former footloose and fancy free hang-out, with coveted skyline views in the background and a large jug of Pimms on the table, was like a rite of passage. Many have missed the Madame since she left and have been waiting patiently to see who would replace her. 

It's only fitting, then, that those who have stepped up to the task have a wealth of hospitality experience across our great city. MAMAS Dining Group will remarkably add their seventh restaurant to their stable of venues, including Suzie Q, Hochi Mama and Windsor Wine Room, with the opening of Disuko. 

This new multi-faceted venue, designed to transport diners to the energetic era of 1980s Tokyo, is the group's most ambitious to date. Taking its name from the Japanese word for 'disco', it's no surprise that party tunes and feel-good vibes are at the heart of this venture. Patrons will first be greeted with Disuko's DJ on the vinyl decks and shining disco balls hanging from the ceiling, with some of Australia's most talented DJs making guest appearances on the decks each weekend.  

Behind the eight-meter, orange-hued, vinyl-backed bar, Bar Manager Joshuiea Scott will be pouring specialist sakes, highballs and cocktails. Signature drinks include the Hana Nashi with Roku Gin, rose water, lemon and pear, the Ginza Girl, which blends Red Shiso Grey Goose with Burmutton Sake Dry Vermouth, and the Shogun, which is a tangy mix of lemon, yuzu, ginger beer and green tea. 

Explore further, and you'll find a lacquered, den-like dining room, designed by Thai Ho and Joan Budiono, and constructed by DIRECTITUDE. Taking cues from the moody and enticing late-night lounges of Tokyo, the low-lit space, enveloped in Japanese red timber with sultry cherry-red leather banquettes and bottle-green booths, lends itself to leisurely lunches and boozy dinners. 

Head Chef, Hoa, who earned his stripes across kitchens such as Nobu and Kisumé, now brings his expertise to the Disuko kitchen. Along with MAMAS Dining Group's Creative Culinary Director, Stolley, they have created a fun and fresh menu that includes everything from chargrilled bites from the hibachi grill to expertly crafted nigiri. A nostalgic, Japanese McDonald's-inspired Fillet-O-Ebi Sando is a moreish mix of crumbed prawns, prawn mousse, tartare, chopped eggs and tonkatsu sauce. Chewy udon noodles are topped with dashi smoked bacon lardo, shoyuzuke yolk and miso sauce to create a take on carbonara. Lightly seared wagyu tataki is paired with yuzu kosho cream, ponzu and crispy potatoes. 

For a special occasion, venture to the red, glowy, eight-seat omakase bar, and be transfixed by master sushi chefs as they create a refined, 12-course menu right before your eyes. And for warm summer nights, the terracotta terrace, which takes advantage of those city views, is poised to be an ultimate after-work hang-out spot. 

Thai Ho, Director of MAMAS, says, "The inspiration for Disuko was born from years spent visiting my family in Shibuya, Tokyo. The country instantly captivated me – its culture, cuisine, hospitality, and energy of the city is electric. Disuko is our way of bringing a slice of Shibuya life to Melbourne, think neon, nostalgia, and nothing but good times. We wanted to create a space where the disco era of 1980s Tokyo can live again, but this time, with a distinctively Melbourne heartbeat."

Images: Supplied.