Christine Chen
Owner & General Manager, Akaiito & Ototo
Christine Chen is the General Manager and Owner of Japanese fine-dining restaurant Akaiito, and its sibling venue Ototo, a subterranean modern Asian-style speakeasy. Both situated on Flinders Lane in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, the venues were opened respectively in 2019 and 2021 with Executive Chef Winston Zhang.
Hailing from Shanghai, Chen moved to Melbourne at the age of 17, and has spent the majority of her professional career working as a Management Consultant specialising in asset management and real estate. Her first foray into hospitality eventuated in 2017, when Christine authorised the IP and opened the world's first-ever Thomas & Friends themed restaurant in Shanghai, followed by a second venue in Xi An.
With a family heralding from Zhejiang, Southern China, an area with an abundance of fresh produce and seafood, Chen was immersed in a family passionate about seasonality and provenance, and she has carried this passion throughout her life. A keen cook herself at home, she has also been fortunate to traverse the globe eating in some of the world’s best restaurants, with favourites including the 3* Frantzen in Sweden and Gimlet in Melbourne.
Chen’s interests in the food and beverage scene also extend to the world of sake, baijiu – a Chinese colourless liquor known for its unique fermentation process – and wine, and has been hands-on in the curation of the sake selections in both Akaiito and Ototo.
In addition to Chen’s appetite for fine dining, her desire to pursue a career in hospitality comes from her passion to provide a welcome space where people can connect and communicate in an intimate and welcome setting.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
About Akaiito
Akaiito opened in May 2019 and offers a unique Japanese culinary experience incorporating French flavours and techniques, inviting diners to indulge in the ‘Omakase at Your Table’ concept, led by its team of Robatayaki & Sushi Chefs. Expertly prepared seasonal dishes and impeccable presentation is at the cornerstone of the restaurant’s philosophy, as the skilled chefs will guide diners through a multi-course degustation, through an East-meets-West interpretation of modern Japanese cuisine.
Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 6pm - Late
Website: www.akaiitorestaurant.com.au
Instagram: @akaiitomelbourne
Facebook: @akaiitomelbourne
Media image gallery link: here
About Ototo
In a subterranean space below the bustle of Flinders Lane, Otōto – meaning younger brother in Japanese – is an underground modern Australian-style dining experience from the team behind the esteemed Akaiito restaurant. Distinguished from its upstairs sister restaurant, the underground is perfect for casual dining and drinks, offering a selection of Asian-inspired snacks, sharing the lates, or a signature 'Feed Me' menu. With sustainability as the driving force behind the bar, Otōto has created a minimal waste cocktail program, utilising ecoSPIRITs as well as ingredients that are repurposed in the restaurant's kitchen. The bespoke cocktail list is complemented by an extensive range of local and international wine varietals, craft beers, sake and Japanese whisky.
Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 5pm - 11pm
Website: www.ototo.com.au
Instagram: @ototomelbourne
Facebook: @ototomelbourne
For media enquiry please contact:
Georgia Heathcote | Reymond Communications
E georgia@reymond.com.au | M +61 497 199 842
