Michelin-trained chefs launch new Brisbane Japanese-Korean restaurant

Japanese kaiseki will be given a Korean spin by two Michelin-trained chefs at their intimate new Brisbane fine dining restaurant.

Two Michelin-trained chefs are teaming up to launch a new Japanese-Korean restaurant unlike anything Brisbane has seen before.

Butterfly in Woolloongabba will be an intimate 22-seat restaurant specialising in the Japanese multi-course dining style kaiseki, given a Korean spin.

New Japanese-Korean restaurant Butterfly in Woolloongabba.

Korean chef and owner Alex Kim, who has worked at Seoul’s one Michelin-star Lee Jong Kuk 104, as well as in Dubai, Singapore and New Zealand, originally planned to open the concept in Melbourne, but when COVID hit, he decided to move to Brisbane.

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“I want to serve the Korean food you’re expecting when you go to Korea. I want it to be more fine dining Korean food not like the deep-fried chicken that is around a lot here,” he said.

Aged fish from Butterfly, Woolloongabba.

The omakase-style dinner menus will offer up to an impressive 16 courses and change daily depending on what’s freshest at the markets. Possible dishes may include Japanese-style egg rolls, aged fish sashimi and sushi, beef tartare with sea urchin and quail egg, and grilled Patagonian toothfish.

Helping Mr Kim in the kitchen will be chef Emanuele Pelonero, who has worked at one Michelin-starred restaurants Il Piastrino and Accursio Ristorante in Italy and Texture in London.

One of the courses from the kaiseki menu at the new Butterfly restaurant.

Butterfly’s fit-out is also unlike anything else in Brisbane - almost pitch black, with 14 diners sitting around a central table watching the chefs cook, while there will also be two tables of four to the side.

While kaiseki will be the signature at night requiring a booking, the restaurant will also offer an a la carte lunch menu, with the likes of Korean barbecue and noodle dishes.

The restaurant is set to launch on December 16.