This venue is now permanently closed.
This Bondi Beach restaurant launched to much fan fare with the question Who is Luis Tan? It's an interesting story.
According to legend, Lui (1923-1984) was a Peruvian hustler, regarded as the wealthiest underworld figure in Peruvian history. He married Akemi Tan, the daughter of a Japanese crime boss, creating a South American/Asian power fusion. They lived in a luxurious estate known as The House of Luis Tan where he would host many boozy dinner parties.
Originally this fascinating story got a little lost under the showbiz lights of the celebrity co-owners: Ryan Ginns, Nathan Joliffe and Shane Moran.
Yet the story and its ensuing original South American / Asian menu inspiration was the idea of the other owner Peruvian Raul Gonzales who runs the restaurant.
Now a year later, the new seasonal menu collection from the new Head Chef Leandro Legname delivers a fresh and light menu that combines the bold flavours of South American dishes with the finesse of Asian food, paying homage to co-owner Gonzales’ Peruvian heritage and head chef Legname’s love of Japanese cuisine.
"It truly is the unforeseen love child of South America and Asia" Gonzales explains.
So, what does Scoop love to eat at Luis Tan?
Sydney Scoop top picks are: the Plantain chips with chipotle mayonnaise; enticing White pepper prawns; pop in your mouth sensational Roasted pumpkin gyoza, rich and complex with spinach, sweet miso, pumpkin seeds and chive oil; and the lusciously tantalising Salmon and scallop tiradito ceviche with the zing of fabulous yuzu, completed with char-grilled corn, radish and mixed peppers. Also super duper are the sweet miso Blue Eye cod sweet and Chicken anticucho. If you have a sweet tooth, don't leave without devouring a Dulce de leche browner. Soooooo good!
Our final tip: the drinks are good. The casual, shared food is well matched with specialty drinks such as South American wines, vast selection of Peruvian pisco, rare Japanese whiskys, 18-year old Nicaraguan rum, infused pisco and signature cocktails, amidst a colourfully retro, eclectic backdrop of contrasting design elements. Who can resist a Pisco Sour? We couldn't. But sshhhh. Who was counting?
More news: fab-u-lous bartender Quynh Van Nguyen is re-doing the cocktail list for Spring and The House Of Luis Tan is also launching lunches shortly.
