Freyja
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Housed in Melbourne’s heritage-listed Olderfleet building, Freyja offers a sophisticated ‘New Nordic’ approach to Australian dining with Michelin-cred Chef Jae Bang (Norway’s Re-naa, New York’s Daniel, Spain’s El Bulli and Arzak) at the helm.
Inside the magnificent 1880s Venetian landmark, Freyja delivers an elevated and approachable dining experience, emphasising an innovative menu aligning classic Northern European techniques with new culinary philosophies, and interiors that reflect raw Scandinavian simplicity.
Creating bold and contemporary combinations using traditional methods such as pickling, curing, smoking, preserving, and skills honed during his Michelin training; Bang delivers a line-up of a la carte dishes focusing on simplicity in presentation, layering flavour profiles and showcasing native ingredients and local producers. The kitchen team includes Daniel Gordon (Lee Ho Fook) as Senior Sous Chef and Aaron Caccia as Chef de Cuisine, who has joined Jae from Michelin starred Re-naa in Stavanger, Norway.
Highlights on the menu include the Yarra Valley Caviar Trout roe served with waffle, smoked sour cream and mix herbs; smoked oyster with buttermilk, juniper and geraldton waxflower; marron with pumpkin, passionfruit and smoked paprika as well as Great Ocean Duck with mostarda, parsnip and finger lime.
Behind the bar, an impressive and ever-evolving list of seasonal drinks with local sensibility delivers flair and theatre, along with a blend of local and international spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and craft beer. Sommelier Ugo Pasetti (Rockpool Group, Grossi Florentino, Print Hall Perth) has joined the team to curate a list of local and international varietals to suit every taste and occasion, with a focus on organic and biodynamic wine.
Freyja is spread across two levels. Upstairs, two light-filled sections welcome you on entry with vast cathedral windows hemmed by a sculptural slatted timber ceiling, making a nod to Nordic maritime history. The Chef's Kitchen, allows guests to casually perch at the bar to catch the vibrant culinary action, while adjacent, the main dining room is quietly more refined. A steep spiral staircase offers a seamless transition to a darker and more intimate underground dining space below.
Throughout the venue, artworks by Mathew Gillett hang prominently interplaying a subtle, gothic vibe, which is delicately balanced with metallic finishes, light coastal sand tones, and earthy organic ceramics and textiles.
Freyja is an exciting new addition to Melbourne’s food scene. We simply cannot wait to return.
Loaction: 477 Collins St, Melbourne
Phone: 03 8688 7141
