Tomodachi owner launches Champagne & Maki bar with focus on oysters

A Japanese tapas bar featuring fresh oysters and premium champagne has opened in Geelong’s CBD.

Michael Bong inside his new hospitality venture Champagne & Maki by Tomodachi. Picture: Alison Wynd

A Japanese tapas bar boasting a wide range of fresh oysters and an impressive champagne selection will open this week.

Champagne & Maki by Tomodachi is owner and chef Michael Bong’s latest business venture in Geelong.

Located at 89 Little Malop St, Mr Bong described the new venue as the “sister project” of his popular Japanese restaurant Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar.

Mr Bong also owns and operates local Korean restaurant BBQ Legend, modern Australian grill and wine bar Waterfront View, and the neighbouring Tomodachi 2.0 brunch cafe and izakaya bar.

“I didn’t want to call this new business 3.0, but I really wanted to let our local customers know that this is the sister project of Tomodachi,” he said.

Michael Bong inside his new hospitality venture Champagne & Maki by Tomodachi. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I have always wanted to provide sushi using high-end style ingredients, but we couldn’t really do that because of the limitation of the spaces and nature of the other businesses.”

Mr Bong said the concept of Champagne & Maki was “pretty straightforward” – a premium selection of wine, cocktails and Japanese whiskey, and an array of oysters, from regular to jumbo size, served fresh, Kilpatrick, or with his signature Japanese twist.

The remainder of the new menu consists of “high-end style tapas”, such as truffle kamagoyaki, beef tartare and the restaurant’s signature dish, sushi maki rolls.

“It’s a really simple menu with a focus on ensuring everything is fresh, presented well and delicious of course,” Mr Bong added.

The restaurateur said dishes ranged between $10 and $35, a price point he hoped would make the venue accessible to all.

“While it is a high end offering, we would like to offer it to everyone,” Mr Bong said.

“I just hope that everybody can come and enjoy the experience.”

Originally published as Tomodachi owner launches Champagne & Maki bar with focus on oysters