Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas will make his Canberra debut later this year, launching Carlotta, a 120-seat Mediterranean-style restaurant in the capital’s Scotts Crossing precinct. The Chin Chin, Society, Yakimono and Grill Americano restaurateur is the latest out-of-towner to arrive in the city, following the launch of Sydney chef-proprietor Matt Moran’s Italian steakhouse Compa in April.

“I’ve witnessed from afar how exciting and energetic the Canberra food scene has become, and I can’t wait to open Carlotta and work with the incredible array of local producers, growers and hospitality talent,” Lucas said in a statement.

Lucas will work alongside Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) on the new concept – it’s the same group he worked with to develop his venues in Melbourne’s 80 Collins Street dining precinct, Yakimono, Society and Lillian Brasserie.

While most details are yet to be revealed, Lucas says he and his team will collaborate with local producers, growers and hospitality talent when developing the venue.

This is the second time so far this year Lucas has branched out beyond Melbourne; he’s set to open an outpost of his Southeast Asian diner Chin Chin in Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium in the coming days.

Carlotta will open in Canberra in spring 2024.