They say you should never grocery shop on an empty stomach. That won’t ever be a problem at Calia Chadstone, where the gourmet provisions store is attached to a 150-seat restaurant. Between the indoor and heated outdoor dining areas, the second Calia outpost has around double the seating capacity of the original Lonsdale street location. It also has an expanded menu designed by Francisco Araya, who previously worked at Michelin-starred eateries El Bulli in Spain and 81 Restaurant in Japan.
The Japanese fare includes noodles and rice bowls, featuring just-flown-in Wagyu and toro (tuna belly), free-range pork and locally caught seafood. But there are also plenty of small plates that are perfect for refuelling between Chadstone boutiques, or to accompany the selection of Japanese sakes, beers and whiskies. Try the more-ish umami fries and the deep-fried chicken tossed in salted egg yolk sauce. Just be sure to save some room for the creative desserts, such as miso crumble cheesecake and chocolate lava cake with matcha green tea ganache.