Combining cultures and cuisines in a warm and inviting atmosphere centred around an impressive wood-fired hearth brings elements of comfort and sophistication with earthy tones and mood lighting. The large open-plan kitchen alongside banquette seating allows guests to become a part of the cooking experience while enjoying the creative culinary delights on offer. A marvel for guests wanting to enjoy the busyness and action of the kitchen, while enjoying a delicious meal. 

 Allocating multiple dining spaces that could not only accommodate large groups but also be multifunctional for private functions, or intimate dining, was an important concept.  

Walking into Aru, the first thing you'll notice is the blazing woodfire hearth. The second is the sheer number of chefs and staff gracefully crisscrossing the room. 

The busy kitchen occupies one side of the narrow Little Collins Street restaurant: on the other, diners perch on cosy custom banquettes and curved timber chairs. There really is nowhere for the chefs to hide – all eyes are on the 16-metre-long open kitchen with Bolgheri marble. 

Chainmail curtains and four small, elevated terraces break up the narrow but deep dining area, cast in shadow by moody lighting. The warm and earthy colour palette – which features spotted gum and terracotta bricks – is inspired by the restaurant’s focus on fire. 

The ambience becomes darker as you walk further into the space and finally the private dining with 2m wide operable walls can accommodate 16 people around the round custom spotted gum tabletop.  

The hearth, a dedicated cool room for dry-aging duck and curing charcuterie, and a fermentation room were the chefs’ special requirements which were built with finesse and attention to detail. 

All bathroom walls and ceilings were cladded with rotary peeled spotted gum custom-made and pressed for this project. The rotary peel exaggerates the beauty of the continuous grain of the timber and is not seen in many places.  

The existing brick walls were brought back to life by concealed-up lights hidden behind the banquette seating and a grey bag finish render.  

Kitchen canopies are carefully hidden in the continuous stainless steel lined bulkhead which leads to the bar back bench shelving displaying hundreds of incredible spirits with concealed LED lighting. 

All loose furniture was designed and built by Indetail’s joinery team and finished on-site using a new environmentally sustainable clear coat which highlights the natural character of the finishes 

Custom solid timber furniture and waiter stations were manufactured in-house. American oak solid timber furniture helps to balance the modern surfaces of stainless and galvanised steel cladding. The luxurious feel of the restaurant flows to the bathrooms that are fitted with custom stainless-steel sinks. 

Modern, warm, and inviting dining that makes a bold statement with the combination of natural materials and cold chic flare. Custom features provide a memorable and beautiful dining experience. From intimate dinners to groups and larger functions, allowing the space to transform for the ultimate customer experience. 

This Project was proudly awarded:

·         The 2022 Good Food Award - Restaurant of the Year