Koi Toy brings Japanese-inspired bar & dining to Pentridge
Koi Toy will open at Pentridge Shopping Centre in Coburg in February 2026, introducing a Japanese-inspired bar and dining venue to Melbourne’s north. The venue will focus on bold flavours, shareable plates and late-night energy built for locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant sits on the ground floor of the former Pentridge Prison precinct, now home to Palace Cinemas, retail and dining. In addition, its position opposite BrewDog places it within one of Coburg’s busiest hospitality zones.
Head Chef Alex Meimitis leads the project alongside developer Shayher Group. Together, they have shaped a concept that steps away from traditional Japanese dining. Instead, Koi Toy takes cues from Tokyo nightlife, blending food, music and visual energy into one setting.
A Japanese-inspired bar and restaurant built for everyday dining
Koi Toy takes its name from the koi fish, a symbol of luck, perseverance and strength in Asian cultures. The restaurant aims to serve as both an everyday local spot and a destination for celebrations or cinema visits.
Chef Alex Meimitis brings experience from Chin Chin Club, Claypots Evening Star and international kitchens in France and Greece. At Koi Toy, he will deliver Japanese-inspired dishes that balance technique with accessibility.
He says,
“At Koi Toy, we want to play with tradition. We don’t want to be just another Japanese restaurant – we want to be a culinary playground where the precision of Tokyo meets the bold spirit of global fusion. Every dish will be a conversation between respect and reinvention.”
The menu will centre on shareable plates and bar-style dining. Japanese flavours will anchor the offering, while creativity will shape the final dishes. As a result, the menu will suit group dining, casual visits and longer evenings.
Design that reflects energy and movement
Award-winning St Kilda interior design firm Studio Y has designed the restaurant. Melbourne design studio Confetti created the branding. Their work blends contemporary Japanese references with a playful urban edge.
Guests can expect layered textures, immersive lighting and graphic neon elements. The space aims to feel lively without overwhelming the dining experience. As a result, Koi Toy positions itself as a relaxed yet visually striking venue.
Meimitis adds,
“We want to create food that stands out – plates with flavour, energy and imagination, delivered in a way that everyone who loves good food can connect with.”
A key addition to the Pentridge precinct
Koi Toy marks the latest hospitality project linked to Shayher Group, the developer behind the Pentridge Coburg Precinct. The group continues to expand the site as a dining and entertainment destination.
Shayher Group spokesperson Craig Hinkins also brings hospitality experience as the owner of Kinridge Wines in Tasmania. Looking ahead, collaboration between the winery and Koi Toy remains under discussion.
Hinkins says,
“It’s a great privilege to be involved in a project like Koi Toy. We will be looking at collaborating with this restaurant in the new year when we launch our new Kinridge wine Brand. Being owners of a vineyard in Tasmania, we know about great produce and quality and when teamed with a great restaurant, great things happen.”
With a strong location, experienced leadership and a bold concept, Koi Toy adds another layer to Coburg’s evolving food scene ahead of its 2026 opening.
Restaurant details
Venue: Koi Toy
Address: Pentridge Shopping Centre, T16, 1 Champ Street, Coburg
Opening: February 2026
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired bar and dining
Website: HERE