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MELBOURNE | Given the media hype surrounding Calia when they first opened, it’s a relief to know that they live up to their reputation, as we discovered when we were recently invited by Zomato to visit. An exciting restaurant and retail space located within Melbourne’s Emporium, their unique concept offers customers a seamless experience between their dine-in restaurant and adjoining retail shop.
Starting with the restaurant part of this venue, the stylishly sleek and modern décor is complemented by marble tables, thus hinting at the prestige associated with Calia. Further elevating their status is the fact that their menu is designed by a Michelin Chef, Francisco Javier Araya. His culinary bio includes experience in Chile, Spain, Japan and China, with his Tokyo restaurant, 81 Restaurant, earning a Michelin Star in 2015. Passionate about sourcing high quality and sustainable ingredients, and using them in cross-cultural cuisines, Francisco’s food philosophy is demonstrated through Calia’s impressive menu.
Focusing on contemporary, Japanese-inspired cuisine using produce sourced both locally and internationally, customers have the chance to sample items such as Alaskan King Crab Claw baked in a misu mayonnaise, or premium Wagyu beef grilled to medium-rare perfection (accompanied by a 63deg egg). Other favourites include the Aburi Salmon (flame-seared, and topped with Calia’s secret sauce), Marbled Sukiyaki Bowl and The Toro Bowl (featuring glazed tuna belly and tartare). Dessert options are minimal, yet no less impressive.
Once your belly is full, wander over to the adjoining retail store where you will be so overwhelmed with the variety on offer that you won’t know where to start! Featuring an extensive catalogue of high quality produce, including Robbins Island Wagyu beef and Yarra Valley Truffles, this is the perfect place in which to do some shopping for a dinner party, or to gift-wrap a hamper for someone special. The draw-in factor for this retail shop is the fact that most of the ingredients used in their Michelin-inspired restaurant dishes can be purchased here, thus enabling customers to recreate some of Calia’s dishes at home. A word of warning, however, is that the price points of many of the products are quite high.
Aiming to set a new standard in fine foods and dining, Calia’s unique fusion-Japanese concept offers a significant point of difference compared with other restaurants in Emporium, or Melbourne even. The quality of their food and produce is undoubtedly of an exceptionally high standard, which is potentially their justification for the handful of menu items that are a tad more expensive than you would expect to find in what is, essentially, a shopping centre restaurant. Nevertheless, any fan of fine cuisine and impressive flavours should pay Calia a visit.
Calia
Emporium Melbourne L3
287 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9662 1688
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Sun – Wed: 10:00am to 7:30pm
Thu – Fri: 10:00am to 9:30pm