Melbourne will welcome a new contemporary Indian restaurant when Elichi opens in Black Rock next month.
Elichi (pronounced Eh-lychee) is the sibling restaurant to St Kilda’s Babu Ji and Hawthorn’s Piquancy, where local produce is the hero. Elichi will follow the same ethos, also serving up some of their classics, as well as new additions.
“We will be focusing on local ingredients with Indian flavours, there will be a modern approach to food while keeping traditional flavours in mind,” says owner Mani Wariach. “There will also be gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options. Elichi will be very fresh produce and seasonally driven.”
Dishes will include roasted Jerusalem artichoke chaat, Jangalee mushroom kebab, podi-spiced calamari with pickled onion, shaved fennel and curry leaf aioli, tandoori chicken with baby sprouts, young carrot and yoghurt emulsion and Otway pork vindaloo with sugarcane vinegar and red masala, truffle naan bread.
Leading the kitchen is head chef Punit Fernandes, who is from Mumbai, India. Fernandes has previously worked at Rockpool and Crown and was also a finalist for the 2016 San Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year Award.
Also joining the Elichi team is Sanjay Bista as front of house manager.
When it opens in mid-August, Elichi will seat 70 guests with a separate lounge area, perfect for patrons waiting for a table or just coming for drinks or snacks.
