Melbourne’s dining scene is about to get a vibrant new addition with the opening of Tombo Den, the latest venture by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas.
Set to open on Saturday, September 7th, at 100 Chapel Street, Windsor, Tombo Den promises to transport diners straight to the bustling streets of Tokyo with its reinterpretation of the city’s late-night dining culture, infused with a touch of Melbourne flair.
Tombo Den captures the essence of Tokyo’s izakayas—those lively, labyrinth-like pubs known for their relaxed atmosphere and adventurous eats. Chris Lucas, whose passion for Japanese cuisine and culture was sparked during his time living in Tokyo in the 90s, is excited to bring this experience to Windsor. “I can’t wait to bring a slice of this to the area,” Lucas shares, reminiscing about his days savoring street food in downtown Tokyo.
Leading the culinary charge is celebrated chef Dan Chan, whose impressive resume includes stints at the Michelin-starred Yardbird in Hong Kong and Melbourne’s own Supernormal. Alongside Lucas, Chan has crafted a menu that pays homage to Tokyo’s dining culture while incorporating Melbourne’s sensibilities. The sushi offerings are a standout, with Kisumé Sushi Masters Toaki Kyo and Carlos Lopez bringing their expertise to a menu that honors sushi’s beginnings as a street food staple. Diners can enjoy a rotating selection of sashimi and nigiri, including deluxe options like scallop and wagyu, served from a central counter.
The à la carte menu is a testament to the creativity and skill behind Tombo Den. Small Plates feature tempting bites like Sapporo flatbread with wasabi cream and beef tataki with shimeji mushroom. Handrolls, a focal point of the menu, offer six options including spicy toro tuna with cucumber. Larger dishes from the Hibachi Grill include soy-glazed beef rib and sesame-crusted tuna, complemented by sides like roast cauliflower with red chilli miso.
For dessert, the menu boasts delights such as a strawberry and sake ice cream sundae and a brûléed dark chocolate mousse. The beverage program, curated by Tokyo-born Master Sommelier Yuki Hirose, includes a diverse wine list and an extensive selection of sakes, showcased at a dedicated Sake Bar. Hirose’s passion for sake shines through, with offerings like Sawanotsuru Junmai and a range of Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Tombo Den’s design, a collaboration with DKO Architecture and Projects of Imagination, reflects Japan’s nightlife and brutalist architecture. Mahogany and marble are juxtaposed with Japanese indigo fabric and pops of red, creating a dynamic space. The restaurant features bespoke artwork by Hiroshi Tanabe, and AI-photography by Tom Blachford, enhancing the venue’s unique ambiance.
Upstairs, Tombo Den offers intimate private dining spaces with customized menus and karaoke experiences, perfect for those seeking a true taste of Tokyo’s vibrant night culture.
With its blend of Melbourne’s charm and Tokyo’s culinary traditions, Tombo Den is set to become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. As it opens its doors, Chris Lucas invites Melbourne to explore this new venture, promising a dining experience that is as dynamic and exciting as its inspirations.
Tombo Den opens its doors on Saturday 7th September at 100 Chapel Street, Windsor. Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are now available online.