Token, an energising 150-seat restaurant in South Yarra, blends the lively spirit of the Japanese izakayas with sleek, congenial design elements.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Asian beer-and-bar snack culture, the space fuses together a duality of elements – with the raw and the charred each having their moment in the spotlight.
1|
Client
Darling Group
Location
South Yarra
Traditional Custodians of this land
Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people
Completion
2024
Total Site Area
386m²
Services
Interior Design
Photographer
Tom Blachford
The layout is divided into two distinct areas, each centred around open kitchens. At the front, a brightly tiled raw bar invites diners to watch the sushi chef in action, while the back area focuses on a custom-made binchotan yakitori grill, creating a warm, smoky atmosphere with flames and charcoal.
“Our focus was on a dynamic dining experience, centred around the theatricality of the open kitchen. We wanted their guests – wherever they’re sitting in the space – to feel fully immersed.”
– David Spaccatore, Senior Interior Designer
Contemporary izakaya
'Fable High Stool' by Ross Dider, sourced from James Richardson Furniture. Red stain.
'Fable High Stool' by Ross Dider, sourced from James Richardson Furniture. Red stain.
Polished 'Opus Rosso' marble by Artedomus
Polished 'Opus Rosso' marble by Artedomus
'Pasture' range 45 x 95mm tiles from Academy. By Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co, made in Japan.
'Pasture' range 45 x 95mm tiles from Academy. By Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co, made in Japan.
'Pasture' range 45 x 95mm tiles from Academy. By Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co, made in Japan.
'Pasture' range 45 x 95mm tiles from Academy. By Nagoya Mosaic-Tile Co, made in Japan.
'Fable Chair' by Ross Didier, sourced from James Richardson Furniture. Black stain, with leather upholstered seat pad.
'Fable Chair' by Ross Didier, sourced from James Richardson Furniture. Black stain, with leather upholstered seat pad.
Effortless transition
Contrasting textures, colour palettes and diverse lighting allows each space to work across different modes of service. The restaurant and bar can effortlessly transitions from day to night, with the energy escalating into the evening – evoking the lively atmosphere of Japanese nightlife.