Superb Flame-fuelled Dining in Flinders Lane at Restaurant 226
Melbourne’s Flinders Lane has welcomed a fiery new star, II.II.VI, a 115-seat culinary haven that blazes with bold, fire-kissed flavours beneath the heritage elegance of Invicta House. Born from the visionary minds of Harsha Kumarasingha and Jayantha Warnakula, the duo behind the acclaimed Ministry of Crab, this restaurant is a seductive love letter to smoky, sophisticated cuisine that marries global panache with Australia’s finest produce. From the moment you step into its art deco-inspired interior - plush oxblood leather, moody blues, and sultry lighting - the stage is set for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a lively catch-up with friends, II.II.VI delivers a sensory journey that’s as approachable as it is refined.
The menu is a parade of decadence, each dish a testament to the power of fire and flavour. Our evening began with Pacific oysters, served two ways: one crowned with caviar for a luxurious burst of brine, the other zinging with a vibrant lime finger mignonette that awakened the palate.
Caviar tartlets followed, their delicate shells cradling horseradish and crème fraîche, finished with a sprinkle of chives for a sharp, creamy delight. The steak tartare tartlets were a sassy wink of umami, each bite a perfect balance of richness and texture. But it was the foie gras, perched on crispy sourdough with fig jam, pickled shimeji mushrooms, and a scattering of hazelnuts, that sang with poetic indulgence - a dish so harmonious it felt like a love song to the senses.
The starters continued to dazzle. Yellowtail, draped in blood orange and seeded mustard with soft herbs, danced with herbaceous zest, its bright, citrusy notes cutting through the richness of the earlier dishes. Abrolhos Island scallops were a revelation, their plump, sweet flesh artfully presented and kissed by the flames of the custom parrilla grill and robata, which form the heart of the open kitchen.
Juicy chicken skewers strutted with confidence, while white anchovy and blue fin tuna teased the senses with their delicate, oceanic allure. The stars of the mains, however, were the steaks - 30-day dry-aged Cape Grim Angas beef from Tasmania, sourced from premium producers like Westholme and Mayura Station. These cuts roared with primal glory, their charred exteriors giving way to tender, flavorful centers that showcased the best of Australian beef.
For seafood lovers, the Glacier 51 Toothfish was a standout, a deep-water fish caressed by the charcoal oven and elevated with a decadent combination of champagne, stock, herbs, and blue cheese. This dish was a personal favorite, its buttery texture and complex flavors a masterclass in indulgence. Each course was paired with a sassy selection of local and international wines, curated to complement the bold, fire-fuelled dishes. The wine journey was as much a part of the experience as the food, with each glass enhancing the flavors on the plate.
Dessert brought the meal to a swoon-worthy close with a creamy Basque cheesecake, its caramelized crust and velvety center made even more decadent with a touch of caviar. It was a fitting end to a meal that balanced sophistication with accessibility, leaving us dreaming of our next visit.
The open kitchen, led by Head Chef Haitham Richani, is a theater of flames and finesse. His mastery of the custom parrilla grill and robata transforms premium ingredients into works of art. For those seeking an up-close spectacle, the soon-to-be-launched Chef’s Table promises front-row seats to this culinary performance. Alternatively, the glowing stone bar hums with allure, offering expertly crafted cocktails that capture the restaurant’s sultry vibe. Sip a drink here, surrounded by the art deco swagger, and you’ll feel the pulse of Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene.
II.II.VI is a celebration of fire, flavour, and local excellence. The use of premium Australian produce, from Westholme’s wagyu to Mayura Station’s beef, grounds the menu in a distinctly Aussie identity, while the global influences - drawn from Kumarasingha and Warnakula’s expertise - elevate it to world-class status. Every detail, from the moody ambiance to the impeccable service, is designed to dazzle. This is a place where foodies, romantics, and adventurers alike can lose themselves in a delicious, flame-fueled journey.
For those eager to experience Melbourne’s hottest new dining destination, II.II.VI is a must-visit. Book now for a night of fire and flair that will leave your senses ablaze and your heart full. This Flinders Lane gem is redefining the city’s culinary landscape, one smoky, seductive bite at a time.