Itōmeshi: A Culinary Journey at Itō with Australia's Best Chefs

At Itō, our mission is to create a dining experience that celebrates the best of Japanese and Italian cuisine. Since opening in October 2023, Itō has quickly become a destination for food lovers in Surry Hills, captivating diners with a menu that blends simplicity, heritage, and the finest ingredients.

Now, we are excited to introduce Itōmeshi, a three-part dining experience that brings together celebrated chefs from across Australia to showcase the dynamic fusion of Japanese and Italian flavours. The concept of Itōmeshi, a culinary style originating from Japan, perfectly aligns with our philosophy, offering a unique blend of two beloved cuisines.

Led by Italian-born Head Chef Erik Ortolani, who has worked with some of the world’s top chefs, Itōmeshi elevates the culinary traditions we've established since opening. Chef Ortolani's extensive experience and passion for both Italian and Japanese cuisine create the perfect foundation for this innovative series. Throughout the events, we’ll be welcoming talented guest chefs who will bring their own unique interpretations of Itōmeshi to the table.

Our first event, on June 4, welcomes Andreas Papadakis, one of Melbourne’s most acclaimed Italian chefs. Andreas is the co-owner of several award-winning Italian restaurants, including the beloved Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria. Known for his exceptional technique and modern twists on traditional Italian dishes, Andreas will collaborate with Erik to create a menu that marries Italian and Japanese culinary traditions in exciting new ways.

Next, on July 16, we are thrilled to host Adam Liston, a leading figure in Adelaide's dining scene. Renowned for his inventive approach to Japanese cuisine, Adam uses fire to enhance the natural flavours in his dishes, creating rustic yet refined meals. With experiences spanning successful ventures like Shobosho, Adam will bring his own unique flair to the Itōmeshi experience.

To conclude this extraordinary series, we are delighted to welcome Mitch Orr on August 20. One of Sydney's most talented chefs, Mitch is known for his dedication to regional produce and sustainable ingredients. With a deep respect for the land and sea, Mitch pushes the boundaries of flavour and technique while maintaining a focus on quality and seasonality.

To complement these exquisite dishes, we’ve partnered with Four Pillars to create bespoke cocktails that will enhance the dining experience. Each drink has been carefully crafted to pair perfectly with the innovative menus created by our guest chefs.

This exciting new chapter for Itō comes at a particularly special time for us. We are proud to have recently received a prestigious Good Food Chef Hat, a testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion that has driven our team since day one. We believe Itōmeshi is the perfect way to continue pushing the boundaries of what we offer, introducing new flavours and experiences for our guests while honouring the traditions that have made Itō a stand-out dining destination.