kōst is envisioned as a contemporary bar and grill concept, but the reality is so, so much more. From the moment you step foot through the arched doorway, the design-led venue is set to impress. kōst is a smorgasbord for all of your senses – touch, taste, smell, sound and, of course, sight. A hint of smokiness lingers in the air as a constant (and very welcome) reminder of the two-metre Mibrasa charcoal grill and oven that churns out perfectly charred flame-licked fare. “We have created a concept to deliver a sensory immersion through food, wine, cocktails and live fuel cooking methods,” Dave says of kōst. “This is 25-years of my hospitality experience all poured into one sleek and sexy venue.”
Heading up the kitchen team is executive chef Sebbie Kenyon, who has cut his teeth in hatted restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne and has worked in kitchens around the world including Paris, London, New York, Moscow and Jakarta, to name a few. In terms of the menu, each dish is designed around one hero element. “The menu is very much about the hero [ingredient], it might be the heirloom cauliflower, it could be the dry-aged T-bone or the beautiful ceviche of the day, we don’t overcomplicate it,” Dave says. Ease into your culinary coma by slurping back a couple of freshly shucked oysters or graze on fire-kissed yellowfin tuna from the raw bar. The Over Embers section of the menu is where you will find the bulk of the venue’s signatures, including the show-stopping XL Bay bug, alongside a selection of steaks, woodfired chicken and the heirloom cauliflower with whipped tahini and golden sesame. For those who wish to splurge, there’s a champagne and caviar trolley service available throughout your dining experience, as well as a woodfired lobster, but you have to pre-order that bad boy 24 hours ahead of time. The desserts, we’re told, are also next level. “The kōst hazelnut rocher is amazing,” Dave says. The drinks list was informed by the venue’s coastal location. “All of the cocktails were developed by this resort vibe, we’ve got a coastal-inspired wine list with 130 bottles that are split into ‘coastal reds’ and ‘coastal whites’ that feature Portuguese and Japanese wine among the selections, it’s really unique.” As for the space itself, kōst features 130 seats across a range of areas, including an additional 50 seats for cocktail drinking in the outdoor pavilion. There’s a private dining room for up to 12 guests, alongside plenty of plush booths to accommodate groups and events.
kōst will open to the public on Friday August 18 (bar only) from 7:00 pm. Saturday August 19 and Sunday August 20 will be dinner only. For regular opening times and booking details, head to our Stumble Guide.
