First look inside MasterChef star Callum Hann and Themis Chryssidis’ new city restaurant, eleven

Take a look inside MasterChef star Callum Hann and Themis Chryssidis’ new city restaurant and hear why the duo decided to open another business in the middle of a pandemic.

Callum Hann and Themis Chryssidis admit they’re taking a calculated risk launching a new city restaurant in the middle of a pandemic.

“I was bit tentative about taking on such a big project in the CBD. But Themis, ever the optimist, was like, ‘Nah we can do this’,” said MasterChef favourite Hann.

His Sprout business partner Chryssidis is confident now’s was the right time to open their first fine dining venue, eleven, located next to its sister bar on Waymouth St.

“At the end of the day, if you look back at history, when the economy is at its worst, that’s sometimes the best time to take a risk,” he said.

Themis Chryssidis and Callum Hann at Eleven in Adelaide, a new restaurant that opens August 13. Picture: Matt Loxton

Themis Chryssidis and Callum Hann’s new city restaurant eleven. Picture: Matt Loxton

“We’ve got such a following at Sprout … I feel like now is the right time to have a venue which shows people what we can do and that we’re not just a caterer.”

The pair, who co-founded Sprout Cooking School in 2011, teamed up for their first restaurant, Mediterranean eatery, Lou’s Place, in Rowland Flat, in September last year.

Two months later, the duo launched eleven bar in the space behind the ANZ building.

Themis Chryssidis and Callum Hann’s new city restaurant eleven. Picture: Matt Loxton

Pan-seared Murray cod with winter vegetables, and yellow bean sauce at eleven. Picture: Matt Loxton

Almost a year in the making, the much-anticipated new restaurant will open its doors on Friday, showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine with a focus on “French techniques”.

But Hann said the stylish eatery, with food by head chef Dan Murphy – formerly of acclaimed Barossa Valley restaurant Appellation – will be far from “pretentious”.

“We’ve put a lot of thought and effort into the experience that you’re going to have here,” he said.

“We want people who work in the city to be able to bring their friends and family or colleagues here. Anyone can come and be really well looked after.”

Themis Chryssidis and Callum Hann’s new city restaurant eleven. Picture: Matt Loxton

Dietitian Chryssidis described the restaurant as a “CBD oasis” unlike any other in Australia.

“To have a fine dining restaurant with a fun, casual vibe next to an outdoor bar in the middle of the city, it’s this unique CBD oasis which I hope people will enjoy,” he said.

Visit: elevenadl.com.au