Overview
Coburg has landed a new Japanese-inspired bar and diner, Koi Toy. The new high-energy, late-night spot brings modern Japanese flavours to Melbourne's North, opening inside Pentridge Shopping Centre.
"At Koi Toy, our aim is to offer delicious, rustic, and creative Japanese food with a twist. We've moved beyond the usual sushi and sashimi staples, presenting dishes that are infused with passion and innovation. Our food is made for everyday enjoyment – flavourful, satisfying, and crafted not for Instagram, but for a true degustation of taste and craftsmanship on every plate," says Executive Chef Alex Meimetis.
Meimetis, whose resume includes stints at Chin Chin Club and Claypots Evening Star, has designed a menu of classic dishes with a modern twist, in collaboration with Head Chef Long Le. Japanese flavours are blended with intentionally unexpected ingredients, such as smoked chorizo, pomegranate molasses, and Turkish spices, to create dynamic dishes. Menu highlights include angel hair tempura King Prawns, sake-cured Ocean Trout, and crunchy fried whitebait with yuzu tartare sauce and apple nori slaw.
Bartenders Danny Chen and Whale Kim have curated a fresh, fruity cocktail list, including standout creations such as the Swipe in TanTan with Pavan Liqueur, gin, lemon, passion fruit, and peach bitters, and The French Rising with Chambord, pineapple juice, citrus vodka, and rhubarb bitters.
The space, designed by Studio Y and with branding by Confetti Studio, features outdoor dining and a private dining room for up to 20 people. "The design of Koi Toy is inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship, with materials like timber that nod to yakisugi, a method of preserving wood by charring. The overlapping neon signs evoke the iconic glow of Tokyo's signage. The interior design works symbiotically with the branding by Confetti Studio to create a cohesive experience, while the sphere lighting adds a unique, conceptual touch."
Images: Supplied.
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