YIAGA IS NAMED WINNER OF THE VISA ONE TO WATCH AWARD AS PART OF THE 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026

Yiaga, a Melbourne restaurant led by chef-owner Hugh Allen, has just been named the winner of the Visa One to Watch Award 2026 by The 50 Best Restaurants. The award recognises an emerging restaurant with exceptional potential to become a leading name in global gastronomy in the years ahead.

Founded in 2025, Yiaga is located in Melbourne’s historic Fitzroy Gardens on Wurundjeri Country. The restaurant takes an innovative, locally focused approach to cooking, using exceptional Australian produce while celebrating the country’s farmers, fishers, growers, makers, artists and creative collaborators. The restaurant itself reflects this philosophy, being crafted almost entirely from Australian materials and showcasing local traditions and craftsmanship.

Yiaga offers a close connection between the kitchen and dining room, while its constantly evolving menu gives guests a sense of discovery with each visit. For Hugh Allen, Yiaga represents a highly personal vision for his first independent restaurant in his hometown of Melbourne, creating a warm and distinctive dining experience that is deeply connected to Australian food culture.

Through training partnerships, collaborative sessions and future projects, Allen hopes to create a wider hub for gastronomy and culinary crafts where people can dine, learn and discover local talent. Yiaga therefore aims not only to showcase Australian cuisine and craftsmanship, but also to contribute to the development of Melbourne’s wider culinary community.