Chef Joe Grbac​ is coming back to the city. The one-time Press Club executive chef who left Saint Crispin in December, Grbac has finally found a space for his first solo venture on Queen Street.

Saxe (short for Queen Street's namesake Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen) will be a two-pronged attack on city dining.

Upstairs he will serve a formal, contemporary a la carte and tasting menu. Grbac is yet to nail down specific offerings for the mid-September opening, but he says, "I want to challenge myself, I don't like to rest on old dishes, though a few may make a comeback." He can promise a seasonal, modern-Australian approach and dishes which (shock!) will not be for sharing.

Downstairs will be a more casual diner and bar slinging the likes of yellowfin tuna, charred broccoli and anchovy dressing. "They'll still be constructed dishes," Grbac says. "Just simpler than upstairs so you can come for a quick drink and bite."

The wine program will be designed by Marc Esteve Matteau, whom Grbac worked with at Press Club. Expect the Catalan native to throw a fair few fortifieds into the agenda.

Saxe will open at 211 Queen Street in mid-September.