Winston Zhang
Executive Chef, Akaiito & Ototo
Born and raised in Shanghai, China, Winston Zhang began his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 25, shortly after moving to Australia.
Graduating with a Diploma in Hospitality Management and Commercial Cookery in 2008, Zhang took his first position as a kitchen hand at Paddington’s local Italian, Lucio Restaurant, going on from there to work at esteemed venues throughout Sydney including Merival’s Establishment, Sydney’s Starwood Hotel and The Hyatt Regency, before returning to Shanghai to explore other culinary opportunities in the hospitality landscape.
Zhang returned to Australia in 2018 to take the helm as Executive Chef of Melbourne’s fine dining Japanese restaurant Akaiito, in Flinders Lane. With a desire to create an award-wining dining experience of his own, Zhang focused on mastering coal-fire cooking on the Robatayaki grill, meticulously developed and consolidated traditional Japanese cooking methods and philosophies, and designed and delivered a delicately crafted Kojin seasonal degustation presented with sophistication. Akaiito won acclaim in 2021, securing a Chef's Hat in Victoria’s Good Food Guide and solidifying its reputation in Melbourne’s fine dining scene.
In 2022, Zhang is spearheading the launch of Otōto, a sophisticated Izakaya-style bar restaurant in the intimate underground space below Akaiito. Set to deliver a casual lineup of Japanese sharing plates and tapas, Robata grilled dishes, and bite-sized snacks, Zhang draws inspiration from distinct regions within Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, and Japanese cuisines and culinary practices.
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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
