Franz Zdesar opens grab-and-go sushi restaurant, Kira Kira in Kirra

A chef, who previously worked at Michelin-star restaurant Nobu, has opened his own Japanese restaurant on the southern Gold Coast. Check it out

Crystal Fox

less than 2 min read

February 17, 2025 - 8:00AM

Gold Coast Bulletin

Owner and chef Franz Zdesar has opened a new Japanese restaurant in Kirra, called Kira Kira. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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A chef, who previously worked at Michelin-star restaurant Nobu, has opened his own Japanese restaurant on the southern Gold Coast.

Franz Zdesar rolled out his first Japanese-style restaurant, Kira Kira, in Kirra on December 27 and said it had been 22 years in the making.

Mr Zdesar said he had been working in Japanese restaurants since he was 14, even working in Michelin-star restaurants Nobu, Hakkasan and Roka in London.

While he used inspiration from his previous roles, Kira Kira was Mr Zdesar’s special creation and something he had “always dreamt of”.

“We don’t just offer standard sushi,” he said.

“Our grab-and-go sushi rolls are made with the finest ingredients.”

Owner and chef Franz Zdesar has opened a new Japanese restaurant in Kirra, called Kira Kira. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Locals have already begun raving about Kira Kira’s bento boxes, doburi bowls and their bubble tea.

Some sushi favourites include the inside out chicken katsu with avocado, cucumber, mayo and teriyaki and the inside out tempura prawn with asparagus and spicy mayo.

Mr Zdesar said he decided to expand his ever-growing restaurant portfolio in Kirra following the success of his Mexican restaurant, Agave Rosa, which opened four years ago.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth in the area,” he said.

“Kirra was also in need of a Japanese venue, so it was the perfect location for Kira Kira.”

Mr Zdesar said he had planned to add an alcohol license to offer fortnightly set omakase dinners, with dishes selected by the chef, and will include a degustation menu and “tasty cocktails”.