Mudo Dining & Bar

Mudo Dining & Bar in South Yarra brings together modern Australian wood-fire cooking and Korean flavour. The concept is centred on using Australian ingredients with Korean influences and contemporary techniques, with the kitchen presenting those elements as an integrated style rather than a novelty fusion. The website describes Korean influence through fermentation, seasoning, aroma and structure, while wood fire provides the foundation for the cooking.

The venue includes a reservation dining room and cocktail bar, offering both food and drinks in one setting. Its menus include à la carte and experience options, along with a signature menu, vegan experience menu, lunch menu, and wine and cocktail selection. While the website does not list individual dishes, the overall approach is described as Australian in its produce-led outlook, global in technique and Korean in character. That makes Mudo a considered option for diners interested in a contemporary interpretation of Australian cooking rather than a traditional Korean menu.

The kitchen is led by Korean chef Happy Cho, whose background includes work at Mr Miyagi, Nobu and Benu, the latter a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. The website says Cho also has a foundation in Japanese cuisine and experience with French and Mexican techniques. His cooking is presented as a personal exploration of Korean heritage through a modern Australian lens, with an emphasis on balance, restraint and clarity of flavour. Wood fire reflects Australian cooking culture and the chef’s focus on simplicity and depth.

Reservations can be made online for groups of one to six, while larger parties of up to 12 can also be accommodated. Walk-ins are welcomed, making the venue suitable for both planned dinners and more spontaneous visits. Mudo operates from Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm until late, with the cocktail bar adding another reason to visit beyond a full dining experience. The venue currently holds a 4.9 Google rating from 97 reviews, offering a strong local signal for diners considering a South Yarra night out.