Now under new management, the iconic Element Restaurant in Lower Plenty has reopened following extensive renovations over the summer holidays, with future plans not far on the horizon.
The early 1900s farmstead underwent refurbishment to reenergise the space and embrace its native 2-acre bush land surrounds. “We’re surrounded by this incredibly wild and dense flora so we decided to work with the existing native plants when redesigning the space,” says new owner Kevin Yu.
Employing One Design Office, the space includes a cast concrete bar, custom made furniture and lighting pendants, and an outdoor courtyard which looks out onto the organic vegetable garden. “The property had great bones. We used contrasting modern architectural features while still retaining the property’s history,” says Yu.
The new menu boasts artisanal dishes such as the pan roasted crispy salmon with courgette cream and house pickled blueberries, and indulgent desserts like house made apple strudel and lemon tart. “Our organic vegetable garden has been thriving in the warmer months, so we will be harvesting our produce and incorporating it into many of the dishes,” says Yu.
Future plans include transforming an old miner’s cottage on the property into a petting farm and building an onsite bakery. The recently planted organic vegetable garden has already established deep roots. “Element is a destination. We want people to not just come here for the food but for the experience,” says Yu.
Element Restaurant is located at 410 Main Rd, Lower Plenty, Victoria 3122, and is open Wednesday –Thursday 6pm–10pm and Fri–Sun 12pm–3pm. For more information visit www.elementrestaurant.
