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For many of our guests, Ukrainian cuisine is completely new. No familiar reference point. No expectations. Just curiosity. That’s exactly why we created Journey to Ukraine  — a dining experience designed as a culinary route across the country, from west to east, where every dish tells a story. Ukraine is vast, diverse, and deeply regional. Food here isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about land, climate, history, and family traditions passed down through generations. At Otak

We’re getting ready to introduce something new to our evening experience. Very soon , you’ll be able to enjoy shisha (hookah / kalyan)   upstairs at OhTak Bar , on our rooftop terrace , from 8:00 PM onwards . Whether you’re finishing dinner downstairs or joining us just for drinks, the night will soon continue upstairs with cocktails, conversation, open air — and shisha. A relaxed rooftop ritual Shisha at OhTak Bar is designed as a slow, social experience . Unhurried evenings

Last Saturday night at OhTak Bar  turned into something truly special. What started as a live set quickly became a room full of voices, smiles, and shared moments — the kind of night where strangers sing together, glasses clink, and time slows down just enough to enjoy it all. Iryna Karanets filled the bar with warmth, emotion, and joy. Familiar melodies, heartfelt singing, and that beautiful energy that only live music can bring. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a share

Every week, we see the same beautiful thing happen at Otakoï . A birthday table fills up. Someone brings flowers. Glasses clink. And very quickly, it feels like home. Birthdays at Otakoï are never just about the food — they’re about connection. About gathering people around one table and sharing something meaningful. A Special Place for Those with Ukrainian Roots For many of our guests with Ukrainian roots, celebrating a birthday here means reconnecting with flavours, traditi

In Ukrainian homes, pickled tomatoes are never just a side dish. They sit right in the middle of the table — next to warm food, long chats, laughter, and stories that somehow always last longer than planned. Every family has their own recipe. Every jar has its own little history. At Otakoï , we’ve always believed that food is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about moments, connection, and feeling like you belong at the table. That’s why we’re starting something new.

Before Otakoï became a place where Ukrainian food, culture, and community meet in Melbourne, there was something else quietly bringing people together. A game. A few years ago - before Otakoï opened its doors — Hanna , the owner of Otakoï, started hosting Mafia games in Melbourne . Not as a business. Not as an “event concept.”Just as a way to connect people. Different backgrounds. Different accents. Some strangers, some friends-of-friends. Everyone sitting around one table, l

Some evenings are made to be unhurried. This Saturday, 31 January , we invite you to begin your night with dinner at Otakoï , then continue upstairs at OhTak Bar  for a special live music set by Iryna Karanets  from 7–8 PM . An intimate live set Iryna Karanets will perform a selection of Ukrainian songs and familiar melodies , filling the bar with warmth, emotion, and a sense of connection. It’s not a loud concert — it’s a moment. Music that sits comfortably alongside convers

Smoke in the air. Skewers on the grill. Cold drinks in hand. This is how summer evenings are meant to feel. Last week we hosted our first Shashlyk Party , and wow — it was a huge success . Great energy, smoky grills, shared tables and so many happy faces. Thank you to everyone who joined us 🤍 Because you loved it, we’re making it a Sunday tradition . Juicy meat sizzling over charcoal, fresh sides on the table, chilled drinks, and the sun slowly setting over the city. Shashly

Chebureky have officially joined our menu at Otakoï - and for us, this dish is much more than a new special. It is a story of Crimea, memory, and resilience. Chebureky originate from Crimean Tatar cuisine, where they were traditionally cooked as large, thin pastries filled with juicy meat and fried until perfectly crisp. Over time, chebureky became deeply woven into Ukrainian food culture - especially in Crimea, where food has always been a language of identity, hospitality,

This Tuesday, Otakoï stepped outside and brought Ukrainian flavours straight to the street. We hosted a menu degustation for people walking by  — inviting passers-by to taste, chat, and experience Ukrainian food and hospitality in the most open and joyful way. It was truly special to see familiar faces - our regular guests - stopping by for a taste, as well as to meet many new people who had never visited Otakoï before. Some were curious, some surprised, and many simply happy

Today our dining room turned into a little world of colour, laughter, and flour-dusted hands 💫At Otakoï, we hosted a Kids Varenyky Making Masterclass  — and it was everything we love about sharing Ukrainian culture with the next generation. Children rolled dough, shaped their own varenyky, and played with colourful dough , turning traditional recipes into edible art.There were smiles everywhere, curious questions, and proud little chefs showing off their creations — proof th

We’re excited to share something new we’ve been quietly working on at Otakoï 💛 Very soon, you’ll be able to take a little piece of Otakoï home with you. We’ll be introducing freshly made, frozen varenyky , prepared in-house and packed for your freezer — perfect for easy, comforting meals at home. Varenyky will be available in packs of 10 pieces  and can be purchased directly in the restaurant . Alongside this, we’ll also be offering a selection of our signature cakes  for pr

December at Otakoï was one of those months we’ll remember for a long time 💛Busy, emotional, loud, joyful — and full of moments that reminded us why we do what we do. As the year wrapped up, our restaurant became more than just a place to eat. It became a space for families, kids, traditions, celebrations, and dancing well past midnight. Here’s a little recap of how December looked and felt at Otakoï. Kids’ Christmas Masterclass: Small Hands, Big Smiles One of the most heartw

Happy New Year from all of us at Otakoï 💛 From our Otakoï family to yours - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎄✨ We wish you peace - in your hearts, your homes, and the world around you. We pray for peace in Ukraine, with hope for safety, healing, and a future without fear. May the New Year bring warmth, kindness, and more moments of gathering together - just as Ukrainian tradition teaches us: around the table, with care for one another 💙💛 As we step into the new year, h

Built with Heart by Hanna & Micheal OhTak Bar began as a quiet idea - a hidden space above Otakoï, where modern Ukrainian spirit could meet Melbourne’s vibrant bar culture. Over months of planning, late-night decisions, risk-taking, courage, and a touch of madness, Hanna and Micheal  crafted a bar that feels intimate, warm, and full of soul. Every detail, every corner, every flavour was created with intention and heart. Powered by an Incredible Team Behind this new beginning

This festive season, Otakoï opens its doors wide - to families, friends, and teams - inviting everyone to celebrate with warmth, flavour, and true Ukrainian hospitality. From joyful lunches to candle-lit dinners, creative kids’ workshops and vibrant New Year’s parties, there’s something for every age and spirit. 🥂 1. Festive Lunches & Dinners For families, friends, or work celebrations - book your table early! Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a festive team lunch,

We’re proud to share that the exhibition is now on display at the Immigration Museum Melbourne , celebrating how food connects people, cultures, and communities across Australia. While the exhibition opened to the public in October , the official celebration event  took place on Monday, 3 November , bringing together artists, restaurateurs, and community representatives to honour the stories behind this meaningful project. Featuring 33 restaurants and eateries from across Mel

Planning an event with heart, flavour, and a touch of culture?At Otakoï Ukrainian Restaurant , we’re thrilled to introduce our new Function Packages , designed to make hosting easy, elegant, and delicious. Located on Chapel Street, Windsor , Otakoï brings soulful Ukrainian food and modern hospitality to every occasion - from corporate dinners and birthdays to engagements, anniversaries, and festive gatherings. Our dedicated team will help you craft an experience that feels ef

Looking for the perfect lunch spot in Windsor ? Step into Otakoï , a modern Ukrainian restaurant on Chapel Street , where soulful food meets warm hospitality. Looking for a cozy spot for lunch in Windsor ? Step into Otakoï , a modern Ukrainian restaurant on Chapel Street , where soulful flavours and warm hospitality make every meal feel special. Join us for lunch every Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 3pm , and enjoy our full à la carte menu  — from golden Chicken Kyiv  and h