Restauranteur Chris Lucas is opening a venue in Canberra. Photo: Supplied.
Prolific Australian restauranteur Chris Lucas has set his sights on the Capital, with a new venue set to open at the Scott’s Crossing precinct in the Canberra Centre. Named Carlotta, the Mediterranean-inspired venue promises to elevate the city’s nighttime offerings.
Chris Lucas is the man behind much-loved Melbourne and Sydney restaurants like Chin Chin, Grill Americano and Kisumé. His team also oversaw the transformation of the 80 Collins Street precinct in Melbourne, home to the opulent fine-dining restaurant Society.
Backed by QIC (Queensland Investment Corporation), Lucas hopes to see similar success with Carlotta, slated to open later this year.
“I’ve witnessed from afar how exciting and energetic the Canberra food scene has become. I can’t wait to open Carlotta and work with the incredible array of local producers, growers and hospitality talent,” Lucas said.
Artists render of Carlotta Restaurant. Photo: Supplied.
Canberra restaurants are batting above average on the national stage, with locally owned joints like Such & Such earning big wins at the Good Food Guide Awards. And Lucas isn’t the first outside entity to take advantage of our fast-growing culinary scene.
Celebrity Chef Matt Moran opened his twin venues recently, as well as New Zealand-owned Botswana Butchery.
The name Carlotta was inspired by Lucas’ recent trip to Italy, but for now, any other details about menus, key staff and other stylistic choices remain firmly under wraps.
Canberra Centre General Manager Gary Stewart said: “We are so thrilled to partner with Chris Lucas and Lucas Restaurants to bring one of his visionary, acclaimed restaurants to Canberra Centre.
“We envision that Carlotta’s presence within our vibrant Scotts Crossing precinct will revitalise the city centre, infusing even more energy and vitality into the CBD’s nighttime economy.”
In recent years, the Canberra Centre has been working to increase its nighttime patronage with the opening of the Tiger Lane precinct and revitalisation of pedestrian areas around Scott’s Crossing.
Carlotta is expected to open in the Scott’s Crossing Precinct of the Canberra Centre in late 2024. Visit the Carlotta website or follow them on Instagram to find out more.
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