From Kyiv to Chapel Street: The Love Story Behind Otakoї Restaurant
- Jul 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Every restaurant has a menu, but not every restaurant has a soul. At Otakoi, every dish we serve has a story. But the most important story is the one that brought this restaurant to life—a tale of two worlds meeting, of shared dreams, and the incredible power of a love for great food.
A Dream from Ukraine, A Passion from Melbourne
Our journey begins with Hanna. Arriving in Australia from her beloved Ukraine, she carried a heart full of memories: the scent of her grandmother's kitchen, the vibrant songs of Kyiv, and the unshakeable warmth of the Ukrainian soul. For years, Hanna had built a successful career in finance, but behind the numbers and spreadsheets was a lifelong dream—to one day open her own restaurant and share the comforting tastes of her homeland.
On the other side of the world was Micheal (yep, it's the correct spelling of the name), a talented chef from Victoria with a deep love for Melbourne's vibrant food scene. He was a man who understood the language of flavour, the art of a perfectly crafted dish, and the magic that happens when people gather around a table.
When Two Worlds Combine
When Hanna and Micheal met, something clicked. He was immediately captivated not just by Hanna, but by the rich culture and soulful food she described with such passion. She, in turn, found someone who understood her dream in a way no one else could. It was the perfect match.
As they explored the city together, they fell in love. Through their conversations, a new, shared dream began to blossom. It was a dream to build more than just a life together; it was a dream to combine their unique skills—her business mind and his culinary heart—to create a new kind of home in the heart of Melbourne. They envisioned a place where the doors were always open, the food was made with an expert's touch and a traditional soul, and every guest would feel the comfort of a true Ukrainian welcome.
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Otakoї
They would call it OTAKOЇ, draws its name from a joyful exclamation.
In Ukrainian, "Отакої!" (pronounced approximately "oh-TAH-koh-yee!") is an expression of surprise, wonder, or even a slightly cheeky "wow!"
The inclusion of the letter "Ї" (yi) in the name is a special nod to the Ukrainian alphabet, setting it apart and immediately signalling the restaurant's cultural roots.
Building Our Home on Chapel Street
In 2025, driven by their shared passion and relentless hard work, Hanna and Micheal turned their vision into a reality. They poured their hearts into finding the perfect spot on Chapel Street, meticulously crafting every detail, from the creation of the menu to the warmth of the decor, to bring their shared dream to life.
Today, Отакої stands as a testament to that journey. It is a celebration of a love that crossed continents and a tribute to the resilient spirit of Ukraine.
Our Invitation to You
We invite you to be part of our story, to share a meal, and to experience for yourself a little piece of the Ukrainian soul, right here on Chapel Street.
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