A LOOK INSIDE LUA

Welcome to LUA - where fire meets water.

LUA Restaurant is the latest addition by Doltone Hospitality Group, brought to life in collaboration with renowned chef Luke Nguyen. In Vietnamese, ‘Lua’ means fire, a fitting name for a venue built around the intensity, theatre and warmth of open-flame cooking.

The menu is a bold celebration of Asian fire-kissed cuisine, anchored by sustainable Australian seafood and elevated by the drama of an open kitchen, all set against the sweeping backdrop of Blackwattle Bay.

Keep reading to explore the detail behind this beautiful restaurant.

BOH: An area built for high-performance and volume

Behind the scenes, the preparation kitchen is designed to support a high-volume, high-performance operation. The space incorporates cold rooms, ice-making facilities, wash-up zones and dedicated food preparation areas.

Multiple specialised cooking stations including wok, steaming, grill, frying, and oven have been carefully integrated to support the diverse nature of the menu. Every element has been designed to optimise workflow, safety and efficiency.

FOH Kitchen: Fire at the centre

At the heart of LUA sits the open kitchen, a defining feature of the venue (and our favourite part!)

A custom Super White Dolomite marble bar anchors the space, complemented by a fully bespoke solid fuel open fire pit. This centrepiece required the design and installation of a custom exhaust system and decorative hood, balancing visual impact with stringent performance requirements.

The theatre continues with a live fish tank and a cold seafood display, reinforcing the venue’s connection to fresh, locally sourced produce. Overhead, custom (hand)made Balinese light fittings introduce warmth and texture, softening the industrial precision of the kitchen below.

Drinks Bar: It’s all about the details

The drinks bar brings together a refined material palette and functional design. A custom marble bar combines Super White Dolomite with Esmerelda Green stone, creating a striking focal point.

Behind the bar, a solid American Oak display frames the space, housing fridges, cocktail stations, and a dedicated coffee station, all seamlessly integrated to support a dynamic service environment.

Internal Dining Room: Texture, light and the right choice of furniture

The internal dining area is the “wow factor” room and showcases layered detailing.

An Italian terrazzo tiled floor grounds the space, combined with 45 custom-made illuminated ceiling panels that draw inspiration from the architecture of the fish market roof itself.

A standout feature is the installation of 520 bespoke breezeway tiles, handcrafted in Vietnam using traditional techniques. Each tile has been individually suspended from a full-height structural wall using custom-designed brackets, with over 2,100 individual elements precisely installed to form a striking architectural statement.

Custom banquet seating, dining tables and waiter stations complete the space, bringing a sense of cohesion, refinement and comfort.

External Dining: A seamless extension with the indoor room

The dining area extends the experience into the open air with a beautiful view over the Anzac Bridge.

Custom-made banquet seating and dining tables are paired with picnic-style settings and authentic Southeast Asian umbrellas on the other side of the venue, creating a relaxed yet fine dining environment.

Services and Automation: Precision behind the scenes

Supporting the entire venue is a comprehensive suite of services and automation systems.

Mechanical kitchen exhaust systems, misting units and ESP filtration systems ensure optimal performance and comfort. Air conditioning and heating systems are carefully balanced throughout the space.

Hydraulic services including gas, water, and waste are seamlessly integrated, alongside full fire services, both wet and dry.

Electrical, communications, CCTV, and lighting systems have been meticulously delivered, with DALI programmed lighting enabling scene changes throughout the day while maintaining energy efficiency.

This project marks another successful collaboration with our valued client Doltone Hospitality Group, reflecting a shared commitment to quality, innovation and the creation of a space that leaves a lasting impression. Delivered in collaboration with Luke Nguyen, Berry Ngo, their hard-working team, and ours.