Luke Mangan Is Launching His New Neighbourhood-Style Eatery in Waterloo

Luke Mangan is in the midst of reshuffling his 21-restaurant empire to make room for his next brand — Luke's Kitchen, which will open in Waterloo on February 15, taking over the MOJO by Luke Mangan space on Danks Street.

Posited as more of a "neighbourhood eatery" than the existing space, the modern Australian menu will consist of snacks, share plates and sides, along with daily specials like whole fish and roasts carved at the table. As part of the opening selection, dishes will include Tasmanian ocean trout sashimi with coconut yoghurt; roasted organic chicken with cauliflower purée, asparagus and preserved lemon; and barbecued marron (Western Australian crayfish) with peach, celery and truffle honey.

In the kitchen, 29-year-old chef Mathew Leighton will be at the helm. The Sydney-born young gun is a Mangan veteran, having worked across multiple venues including Glass Brasserie, Chicken Confidential and multiple Salt restaurants in Asia.

The existing warehouse space has been given a softer revamp using an earthy colour palette, warm pendant lighting and retro touches, including a beaded curtain and floral screen. For seating, they've installed large wooden tables, a street-view benchtop and a new bar.

For drinks, the menu boasts an extensive selection of wine by the glass, bottles that span a wide range of varietals and regions, and cocktails by the group's mixologist, Karl Higgins.

"It's unpretentious, it's comfortable, and it's a place where guests can swing down for a glass of wine and oysters, or the works," says Mangan.

The famed Australian restaurateur is calling Luke's Kitchen his flagship venue, with further expansion of the new brand expected in 2018. For those who are sad to see MOJO go, the New York-inspired wine bar will relocate to the CBD later in the year, where Magan feels the bar's city vibes are better suited.

Luke's Kitchen will open on Thursday, February 15 at 8 Danks St, Waterloo. Opening hours are Wednesday through Thursday from 4pm to late, Friday from noon to late, Saturday from 10am to late and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Images: Minhky Le