After making its mark in London's Soho, San Francisco, Toronto, Manchester and Riyadh, the global Japanese-Peruvian fusion eatery Chotto Matte is officially opening its first Australian location on November 22.
Think Japanese precision meeting Peruvian fire: sushi and sashimi, ceviche, a giant robata grill, colourful cocktails, bold art, DJs and plenty of late-night energy, the blurb promises.
All in a 250-seat space in the heart of Bondi.
The opening marks a homecoming for Australian-born founder Kurt Zdesar (below), after an international career that included almost a decade as European director of Nobu. He opened the first Chotto Matte in Soho in 2013.
The Bondi menu will merge Chotto Matte favourites with dishes created exclusively for the Sydney venue, showcasing local seafood alongside ingredients sourced directly from Peru.
"Opening Chotto Matte in Australia feels like I’m bringing the brand home to Sydney, a real milestone and full circle moment for the next chapter in the brand’s international story," Zdesar says.
"Bondi has a vibe that feels very Chotto Matte, and I’m excited to introduce what we’ve created to a city and dining culture I know and love.”
For local owner Rafi Assouline, the Australian opening has also been years in the making, waiting for the right location before approaching Zdesar with the opportunity to open in Bondi Beach.
“I first experienced Chotto Matte in London back in 2018 and immediately felt there was something about it that would resonate in Sydney," he says.
"But it was never about bringing the brand here for the sake of it. I knew I wanted it to be in Bondi, in a large, landmark space that could really match the energy of Chotto Matte, so it became a waiting game until the right location came along.”
"Opening Chotto Matte in Australia feels like I’m bringing the brand home to Sydney, a real milestone and full circle moment for the next chapter in the brand’s international story," Zdesar says.
"Bondi has a vibe that feels very Chotto Matte, and I’m excited to introduce what we’ve created to a city and dining culture I know and love.”
For local owner Rafi Assouline, the Australian opening has also been years in the making, waiting for the right location before approaching Zdesar with the opportunity to open in Bondi Beach.
“I first experienced Chotto Matte in London back in 2018 and immediately felt there was something about it that would resonate in Sydney," he says.
"But it was never about bringing the brand here for the sake of it. I knew I wanted it to be in Bondi, in a large, landmark space that could really match the energy of Chotto Matte, so it became a waiting game until the right location came along.”
Chotto Matte’s culinary identity has been shaped by group executive chef Jordan Sclare, who has worked alongside Zdesar on the brand since opening its Soho flagship in 2013.
For Bondi, Sclare has worked with Zdesar and newly appointed head chef Jay Choi to retain the signatures of Chotto Matte while taking advantage of Australian produce.
The kitchen will centre around the two-metre robata grill.
