Restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess latest venture Yoko is set to transform the Brisbane dining landscape once again this time into the energetic experience of Tokyo.

Yoko Brisbane will bring sensations of Tokyo’s izakayas, music bars and pop-infused counter culture to a raucous split level bistro on the river at Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves opening in November. Set over the two levels will be dining, drinking and fun classics on vinyl, Yoko will combine Brisbane’s breezy lifestyle with all the highlights of Japan’s sophisticated and sustainable cuisine.

At the centre of the kitchen led by chef Kitake Lee ( Cho Cho San, Kisume, Momofuku Seiobo) is the hibachi charcoal grill – influencing Yoko’s seafood-leaning menu with smoke and char. Abundant bar snacks such as seasonal gyoza, tempura, plentiful noodles and light textural salads are the perfect partner for a tipple.

Yoko will also offer more substantial dishes including whole local fish, a premium wagyu selection and roasted duck, all designed to be shared between friends over yuzu slushies and wine on tap or bottles from their extensive wine list.

Drawing inspiration from the heritage waterfront space located beneath Brisbane’s Story Bridge, longtime collaborator and interior architect George Livissianis has

transformed the “beautiful old shed” on the water into a sensory, intriguing and geometrically designed space. Pops of yolk-hued yellow, concrete and blond timber are set against the wharf’s original timber framework.

Yoko Brisbane will surely be the talk of the summer, and we’re excited to see it open this November

Kitak Lee, Jonathan Barthelmess, & Ben Russell