We’ve been keeping our eye on ARIA Property Group’s Eden Lane development with keen interest, especially following the openings of popular spots Day Made by Coffee Supreme, 31 Degrees Custom Chocolates and Kiss The Berry. Much speculation was made about Eden Lane’s laneway tenancy before it was revealed that PopMega Hospitality Group (Hai-Hai Ramen, King Tea, Special Rub) had signed on to install a new bar concept, but details were kept close to the chest beyond the venue’s name, Superfly Funkeye. The PopMega team have put their heads together to hone in on a concept that played to their strengths and was also out of the ordinary, and soon it was decided that a modern take on Japanese bar food was a natural fit for the space. The end result merges a contemporary Australian wine-bar feel with a tasty spin on Japanese finger food, curated by a kitchen team that boasts experience with Japanese flavours. Woodsters undertook the fashionable fit-out, crafting an accessible and modern aesthetic, which is bolstered by Eden Lane’s own lanterns and abundant foliage.

Like Japanese izakayas, Superfly’s food menu offers up a range of nibbles perfect for pairing with a few drinks. Eight small plates are available upon opening, ranging from sweet corn with miso butter and karaage chicken with togarashi and goma mayo to rare beef tataki with salted daikon and the kamo nanban – otherwise known as rare duck with onsen egg and hot soba. Expect the kitchen to shake up the menu often, substituting dishes regularly and experimenting with new ingredients. Superfly Funkeye’s bar is well stocked with a selection of beverages that pairs well with Asian food, with a curated wine edit showcasing some funky natural drops with a higher acidity level. A range of Japanese spirits helps fuel the cocktail selection (whisky highballs are a staple) while Kirin is available on tap alongside packaged craft beers from Australia and Japan.

Superfly Funkeye is open now, but will be launching officially this Friday May 18 with drink specials and 100 free bao buns. Head to the Stumble Guide for more information.