Sydney’s Nomad is set to open in Melbourne this November after overcoming a number of hurdles.
The 100-seat restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Adelphi Hotel on Flinders Street, marks the first out-of-Sydney location for Nomad Group.
“It’s been a long journey for the Nomad team – relocating to Melbourne, multiple disappointments in regard to securing a site, a fire at Nomad Sydney, relocating back to Sydney, and of course a pandemic and subsequent lockdowns,” says Co-Owner Al Yazbek.
“Most folks would have jettisoned the idea of straddling two states but here we are, about to throw open the doors of Nomad for the good folk of Melbourne.”
Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor has been working alongside Melbourne Head Chef Brendan Katich, who joins from the now-closed Ezard and Gingerboy, to create Melbourne’s debut menu.
Diners can expect wood-fired flatbreads, house cheeses and charcuterie along with locally sourced proteins and produce. Plus, there will be some dishes exclusive to the Melbourne restaurant.
“The kitchen centres around our wood-fired oven and we’ll be working on engaging with local farmers for suckling pigs, chickens, lamb, veggies and more which will become a daily changing offering,” says Challinor.
“I’m really excited to explore what Victoria has to offer in regards to produce and hopefully with that, create something really special that is unmistakably Nomad.”
Group Beverage Director Ged Bellis has curated a wine list that mostly revolves around boutique Australian winemakers, with a particular focus on local producers and some global additions.
“Our by-the-glass list will be expansive, ever changing and exclusively Australian,” says Bellis.
The Flinders Street restaurant is the first of three upcoming projects from the group, with a wine bar and deli to open in Surry Hills, Sydney, next year along with a restaurant and bar in The Cathedral Room in Melbourne.
Reservations are now open for Nomad Melbourne, which will open for dinner Monday to Sunday and lunch Wednesday to Sunday.