One of Melbourne's Top Chefs Is Finally Setting Up Shop in Sydney with His New Restaurant Morena

The mind behind one of Melbourne's most celebrated restaurants Farmer's Daughters — as well as its sibling venue Victoria — is finally setting up shop in Sydney with an expansive new 220-seat venue. Alejandro Saravia is set to open his new Harbour City venture Morena in Martin Place's historic GPO building this November.

Saravia has been a trailblazer in South American cuisine in this country for the good part of two decades, challenging Australian conceptions of Peruvian food across various restaurants since 2006. He launched Farmer's Daughters down in Victoria back in 2021, taking out the Hospitality Award at the annual Melbourne Awards later that year.

GPO Building, Poidabro

Ambitious new Sydney eatery Morena will be a vibrant celebration of South American food, with Saravia pulling inspiration from his homeland of Peru, alongside Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico in crafting the menu.

"For me, opening Morena represents the culmination of over 15 years of working to shine a light on the unique flavours and hospitality of Latin America," says Saravia.

"We aim to transform Australians' perspective of Latin American cuisines, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage beyond just street food, all while preserving the rich cultural roots and authentic flavours that define it."

Farmer's Daughters

As with Farmer's Daughters, Morena will place heavy importance on the produce used in the kitchen. The accomplished chef and restaurateur works closely with local Australian farmers and producers to guarantee he's utilising the best the country has to offer, while also maintaining strong ties to Latin American suppliers to ensure his dishes are built around authentic ingredients.

Paired with the eats will be a strong wine list featuring a hefty showing from Spanish and South American drops, plus a range of signature cocktails starring Latin American spirits.

"I am so excited to open Morena in the heart of Sydney," says Saravia. "With this new venue, we will be elevating the way Sydneysiders engage with the diverse cuisines from across Latin American cultures."

Farmer's Daughters

Morena will open in November 2023 at 1 Martin Place, Sydney — keep an eye on the restaurant's website for further details in the interim.