Chef's Table in Melbourne CBD
A chef’s table usually means one special table beside the kitchen while the rest of the restaurant eats in the dining room. At Rōnin there is no dining room. All ten seats face the chef, every course is cooked and plated in front of you, and the chef talks to the room as he works.
If you are searching for a chef’s table in Melbourne because you want to watch the cooking rather than just eat it, this is the whole restaurant.
What You See
Charcoal lit, ferments opened, fish and meat cut and seasoned, each plate finished a metre from your seat. Liam Lee introduces every course in a sentence and answers whatever you ask. Ten people share the same sitting, so the night has the rhythm of one long table rather than a restaurant. Why only ten seats explains the number.
Liam Lee
Trained in Seoul at Gyungbokgung Hanjungsik, then Nomad, Firebird and Studio Amaro in Melbourne, then the Rōnin counter from 2026. The chef page has his story.
Korean Omakase
About ten courses decided on the day: banchan, jang seasoned raw and cured dishes, charcoal, noodles or rice, dessert. The Korean omakase page describes the cooking.
Kisumé, Warabi and the Hotel Rooms
Kisumé runs a twelve seat chef’s table serving Japanese omakase on Flinders Lane. Warabi at the W Hotel seats more and runs with three chefs. Hotel chef’s tables are usually a private room off a large kitchen. Rōnin is ten seats, one chef, Korean cooking, and the counter is the restaurant.
Price, Hours and Booking
A$195 per guest, paid at booking. Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm, dinner only. Seats open on the 20th of each month at 8pm via OpenTable. The whole counter can be booked by one group.
Common Questions
Can I talk to the chef during the meal?
Yes. The chef introduces every course and takes questions throughout.
How many people can sit at the chef’s table?
Ten. The counter is the only seating in the restaurant.
Is the chef’s table more expensive than regular seats?
There are no regular seats. Every guest pays the same A$195.
Can I book the whole chef’s table?
Yes. Ten seats can be reserved by one group through OpenTable or by email.
Book a Seat
445 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Wed to Sat, 6pm to 11pm (dinner only)
0401 721 491 | info@roninomakase.com