Overview
Zekkai is Queen Street's newest penthouse restaurant, cocktail bar and club with sweeping views across Melbourne's skyline. In the kitchen, an ex-Nobu chef is bringing luxe Japanese dining to new heights.
The new venue, which takes over the site where Blue Diamond speakeasy, a members-only jazz club, once stood, is from Lam Kai Fung (former Executive Chef of Nobu) and the promotional team behind some of Melbourne's most-loved clubs such as Bond, Trak and Ms Collins. While the rooftop venue has been given a contemporary makeover, it still pays homage to its former personality with the original grand piano remaining a centrepiece in the room — albeit now alongside a DJ booth.
"Melbourne has some incredible rooftop bars, but we wanted to create something that feels truly international," says Venue Manager Warrence Moorghen, "A place you could find in New York, Tokyo or Dubai, yet still distinctly Melbourne in character."
Lam Kai's menu leans luxe with dishes such as wagyu with truffle paste and mango dragon rolls. "Zekkai's menu is inspired by my journey through some of the world's top kitchens, blending Japanese precision with Melbourne's diverse palate," says Lam Kai, "Every dish is about balance, beauty, flavour and a touch of surprise."
If you're looking to splash some cash, the Millionaire Margarita comes in at a whopping $115, which sees Herradura Selección Tequila finished with gold leaf and caviar. On the other extreme, happy hour offers affordable specials such as $1 gyoza, between 5 and 8 pm.
The team's sky-high ambition is to create a venue where you can expect everything from elevated Japanese dining to lively sunset cocktails on the cigar terrace and a late-night party under the stars. Moorghen says, "Zekkai is about more than just dining or nightlife, it's about creating a complete experience. From our panoramic views to our curated DJ sets and premium cocktails, we've designed a venue where every visit feels unforgettable."
Images: Supplied.
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