Celebrity Chef Matt Yazbek

Featuring Izakaya dining in the finest tradition – a style ideally conducive to sharing - complemented by a relaxed bar that is big on buzz, Toko has maintained its position over the past decade as one of Sydney’s hotspot destinations with surefooted consistency.

With a keen sense of the consumer landscape, Yazbek followed Toko with its little sister, Tokonoma by Toko - situated at 44 Bridge Street, Sydney, where premium drinks and a top shelf selection of  the finest imported Sake is presented with seasonal cuisine and service at the best quality. Prolific Sydney restaurant architect Matthew Darwon worked with Matt Yazbek to create the spaces of Toko Sydney and Tokonoma by Toko.

In September 2015 the success of Yazbek’s Japanese restaurants was carried over to Melbourne with the opening of Toko Melbourne, nestled in the heart of Prahran’s bustling Greville Street. Combined with Australia’s world renowned fresh produce and complimented by stunning contemporary design, the space features a sushi bar, traditional Japanese tatami room for private dining, indoor and outdoor bars and is designed for diners to enjoy an after-work drink and share a bite to eat with friends.

Stepping outside the Japanese square, Yazbek and his two sisters, Diala and Amanda Yazbek, most recently opened the doors to Cubby’s Kitchen in August 2016, their first family venture. Paying homage to their heritage and affectionately named after their mother, ‘Cubby’, Cubby’s Kitchen is a Lebanese restaurant offering relaxed casual dining and traditional family recipes with a modern spin.

Known for his preference to remain behind the scenes, the success of Yazbek’s restaurants can be largely attributed largely to his innovative and cutting edge style and understanding of the Australian market. Hands on across all facets of the business, it is not widely known that Matt can often be found in the kitchen at one of his restaurants, cooking and developing the latest dishes.