A two-level Nordic-inspired restaurant will open on Collins Street tomorrow, and introduce New Nordic Cuisine to Melbourne. Step inside the dramatic, 1890s Olderfleet building, and discover a sophisticated sample of the country’s cuisine and culture. At Freyja, you’ll taste contemporary dishes, that are made from a combination of experimental methods and traditional practices. You’ll find a whole manner of techniques showcased on the plate, such as pickling, curing, smoking, and preserving. Freyja will open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday.
Freyja on Collins Street
Chef Jae Bang, who worked at the Michelin-starred Re-naa in Norway, has created an evolving menu for this new restaurant. At Freyja, you’ll find a line up of a la carte dishes with simple presentation, layered flavour profiles and native ingredients. Inside the kitchen, you’ll find Daniel Gordon (former Head Chef at Lee Ho Fook) taking on the role of Senior Sous Chef. Meanwhile, Aaron Caccia will be Chef de Cuisine, joining Jae Bang from Norway’s Re-naa.
Highlights on the menu include:
- Yarra Valley Caviar Trout Roe, Waffle, Smoked Sour Cream, Mix Herbs
- Hawkesbury River School Prawn, Egg, Mustard Green, Cayenne Smørrebrød
- Smoked Oyster, Buttermilk, Juniper, Geraldton Waxflower
- Squid Dashi and Oat Custard, Baby Corn, Bacon Consommé, Tasmanian Truffle
- Murry Cod, Turnip, Cime Di Rapa, Sherry
- Savoy Cabbage, Barley, Chive, Plum, Sour Beer
- Great Ocean Duck, Mostarda, Parsnip, Finger Lime
- Chestnut, Rum and Raisin Jam, Kelp
If you’d like more, opt for the ‘Taste of Freyja degustation’, which offers a combination of small plates and main courses for dinner. For lunch, there will also be a range of traditional Smørrebrød; an open-faced dark rye sandwich topped with meat or seafood and seasonal accompaniments.
As for drinks, expect an evolving list of seasonal beverages, made with theatrical flair. There will also be a blend of local and international spirits, wines, craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Sommelier Ugo Pasetti (Rockpool Group, Grossi Florentino), has curated a list of local and international varietals to suit every taste, with a focus on organic and biodynamic wine.
Freyja seats 130 guests across two levels. Upstairs, vast cathedral windows fill the space with light. Take a seat at the bar and watch the chefs create magic in the kitchen. Or, sit in the main dining room and find a sense of ‘Hygge’, or warmth, cosiness and contentment. Descend down a steep spiral staircase into an intimate underground dining space. Seating up to 65 guests, this earthy space also includes two semi-private dining areas for larger feasts and gatherings.
During the warmer months, dine alfresco under a canopy of Plane trees, and watch the hustle and bustle of people in the CBD.