Graham Jefferies, co-owner and executive chef of Geelong's upscale diner, Tulip, opens his next project, Samesyn, in Torquay on December 11.

Jefferies, who is opening Samesyn with partner Nicole Dickmann says the a la carte menu, which offers a short tasting opinion, will be "similar to Tulip, but slightly shorter since it's just me and an apprentice".

Dishes might include a slow-cooked lamb neck with burnt lemon, broccolini and bay; a beef tartare with cheddar custard and pickled kohlrabi; cured fish and beach herbs, collected daily from the nearby shores and a hat tip to his South African heritage in his mum's malva pudding – a sort of steamed treacle sponge, updated and served with custard and roasted apricots.

The name, an Afrikaans word meaning togetherness, underlines the intended beachy, community vibe of the 30-seater, housed in a former pizza shop. The room features all recycled timbers, with crockery and hand soaps that have been made by locals.

Samesyn will open for dinner Wed-Sat and lunch Fri-Sun from December 11 at shop 3, 24 Bell Street, Torquay, samesyn.com.au.