Stephen Nairn

Joining LK Hospitality as Executive Chef in 2018, Nairn is now CEO and Culinary Director, overseeing a team of 120 employees. A finalist at The Age Good Food Guide’s Chef Of The Year in 2023, ​ Nairn is a well-respected member of the Australian hospitality world. Nairn’s restaurants, Omnia Bistro & Bar and Yugen Dining, were awarded two chef hats each. 

Born in the west coast of Scotland, Stephen Nairn’s skills were developed in some of Glasgow and Edinburgh’s most rigid and exacting European kitchens. His hard work, perseverance and diligence paid off, and after seven years in Scotland, Nairn was chosen for a scholarship in New York, where he joined the impressive team at Daniel Humm’s world-renowned 3 Michelin starred Eleven Madison Park.

The desire to continue travelling and constant whispers of Melbourne’s exciting dining scene led him to Australia. The freedom, diversity and energy of Australia’s culinary landscape had him hooked and the country has since become home.

In his three years at Vue de monde, Nairn rose from sous chef to Executive chef, running one of Australia’s most demanding kitchens. Then followed two years as head chef at Estelle by Scott Pickett, which took him through to the opening of Matilda 159 domain. During this period, Nairn’s desire to explore his own creative identity grew.

In late 2018 Nairn joined LK Hospitality as Executive Chef, overseeing the food and beverage concepts for the new luxury residential precinct Capitol Grand in South Yarra.

With a 19-year career in the hospitality industry, Nairn brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise as Culinary Director and Head Chef of LK Hospitality.

Nairn is responsible for the menu creation and logistics for Omnia Bistro & ​ Bar, Yūgen Dining, and Yūgen Tea Bar. Nairn’s respect for seasonality and the best quality produce, combined with a mastery of craft and commitment to producing the most delicious dishes for his guests.

Note to the editors

About LK Hospitality ​
​Founded in 2019 by Melbourne-based entrepreneur Larry Kestelman, LK Hospitality has quickly made a name for itself as the home of innovative, creative and excellent drinking and dining experiences. Led by Culinary Director, Stephen Nairn, its portfolio includes award-winning Yūgen Dining, Yūgen Tea Bar and Omnia Bistro & Bar, as well as Bromley Gallery & Event Spaces, all located within the prestigious Capitol Grand, on the bustling corner of Toorak Road and Chapel Street, South Yarra.
​Website: www.lkg.com.auInstagram: @lkhevents

Omnia Bistro & Bar
​625 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141
​Good Food Guide two hat award-winning Omnia Bistro & Bar is a comfortable and elegant neighbourhood venue, located on the ground floor of Capitol Grand, in the heart of South Yarra. As you step off the bustling street corner, Omnia welcomes you into an impressive light-filled space, centred around a green marble bar, filled with hanging greenery, brass accents and a mirrored roof. Featuring a menu from award-winning Culinary Director Stephen Nairn, Omnia Bistro & Bar offers a beautiful selection of classic European dishes, bringing fine dining precision to bistro favourites. The menu changes seasonally – driven by a desire to support Australian growers, producers and farmers. The menu offering is complemented by an extensive wine list, featuring a selection of the finest drops from Australia and around the world, including an enticing collection of Champagnes. Omnia Bistro & Bar offers an array of versatile spaces for groups both small or large, from intimate, kitchen-side seating to the expansive front bistro area. Guests can also enjoy Omnia’s Social Club, with a rotating selection of live music every Wednesday from 7pm.
​Website: www.omniabistro.com.au
​Instagram: @omniabistro

Yūgen Dining
​605 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141
​Yūgen Dining arrived on the Melbourne dining scene with a bang at the end of 2022 – being awarded two hats by The Age Good Food Guide for 2023, after only months of operation. Located in the heart of South Yarra, on the bustling corner of Chapel Street and Toorak Road, Yūgen Dining lies Directly beneath its sister venue – the design-award-winning, Yūgen Tea Bar. The restaurant's hidden subterranean location opens up to reveal an exquisite, two-level, multi-faceted drinking and dining experience. The venue comprises an 85-seat restaurant, sweeping bar, private dining spaces, specialised six-seat Omakase bar, and a VIP dining Golden Orb, suspended high in the air that can accommodate eight guests for a unique dining experience. Headed by Culinary Director Stephen Nairn, the talented team consists of Executive Pastry Chef John Demetrios and General Manager Thibaut Chuzeville, who provides his elegant and attentive service to the front-of-house. ​
​Website: yugendining.com.au
​Instagram: @yugendining

Yūgen Tea Bar
​605 Chapel St at the Capitol Grand, South Yarra VIC 3141
​An elevated approach to a contemporary tea house, Yūgen Tea Bar offers a curation of some of the world’s finest loose leaf teas and champions their stories. Inspired by the classic English afternoon tea, Yūgen Tea Bar’s high tea includes a range of exquisite patisseries, as well as a selection of alcohol-free beverages, cocktails and champagne. Located on the ground floor of Capitol Grand, visitors step off the bustling South Yarra corner into the tranquillity of a beautiful, dark cocoon-like space. Yūgen Tea Bar’s designers, Curious Design, were awarded Best Surface Interiors at the prestigious Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2022 and shortlisted for the Hospitality Design Award at the Australian Interior Design Awards 2022. Yūgen Tea Bar blends the talents of Melbourne-born Executive Pastry Chef John Demetrios, General Manager Thibaut Chuzeville and Culinary Director, Stephen Nairn. Whether you’re a tea aficionado, or simply someone that loves a spot of tea and cake, Yūgen Tea Bar has something for everyone.
​Website: yugenteabar.com.au
​Instagram: @yugenteabar