Where Chefs Eat: Lona Misa Head Chef Pamella Tomio Loves This “Hidden Gem” Sushi Spot

Lona Misa head chef Pamella Tomio comes from a hospo family. Growing up in the south of Brazil, she spent a lot of time at her mother’s industrial kitchen, and started a restaurant with her brother when she was just 21.

“My family has always been passionate about cooking; it’s what they love and how I grew up. Although I tried many times to pursue a career in marketing, design and photography, I always found myself going back to cooking and hospitality. It’s what I live and breathe,” the chef tells Broadsheet.

Tomio moved to Australia in 2019 and worked as head chef at Rustica before joining Lona Misa, the Latin-inspired vegan restaurant led by creative culinary partners Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters) and Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar).

We caught up with Tomio for the lowdown on her favourite spots in town right now.

What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?
I love to eat locally. I am always trying new spots around work in South Yarra or at home in the south-east. My favourites are Huff Bagelry or poke bowls from Poke On – I try different combinations each time.

And for a drink and snacks?
I can’t go past Lui Bar, on the 55th floor of the Rialto Tower. It has beautiful panoramic views of the city skyline and a great ambience. The bar serves innovative cocktails with precision and flair.

If it’s a special occasion, where do you go?
Atria. It’s a great spot for a contemporary dining experience. The service is always spot on, along with the menu.

If you’re looking for inspiration?
I typically find inspiration by reading books as I can refer to them at any time. I have two on the go currently: The Flavour Thesaurus, as it inspires me with unusual pairings and chemical compositions on food, and Fermentação à Brasileira, which helps me to learn about fermentation. Both go hand in hand to create dishes and bring to life my vegan creations.

Where do you go for a big meal?
I always love a big bowl of pho from Saigon Mamma – you can’t go wrong.

If you’re recommending a spot for a first date?
Oshan. It’s a hidden gem in South Yarra with amazing Japanese-Brazilian fusion food. Despite the unique pairing, the service is exceptional, and it boasts a beautiful range of sake. The food is uniquely amazing, making it a standout dining experience.

If you have visitors from out of town?
A visit to Prahran Market and South Melbourne Market is a must. We can wander around, there is so much variety there and it’s easy to pick a few good snacks to share. Food markets are a big part of Melbourne’s culture.

What’s the best spot – other than Lona Misa – for vegan food?
I don’t necessarily eat at other vegan restaurants, but I always like to try vegan options when I dine out. La Lapa at South Melbourne Market is a great spot, as they have many vegan options – including an Italian-style doughnut.

On the rare occasion that I travel north side, I head to Tammy’s Borek at Preston Market. The mother-daughter duo who own the takeaway shop hero Turkish food. They have a great selection of plant-based Turkish pastries like gozleme, borek and zucchini fritters to enjoy on the go.

What’s your go-to hangover food?
Pizza from 458 in Murumbeena. It’s my local and the fungo pizza is my favourite – I order it every time.

Where can you find your favourite dessert or sweet treat?
The brownies at Noisette are a must-try. Ruben’s Deli in Armadale is also a great option, the cheesecake is phenomenal.

Bucket list restaurant?
I don’t have a specific restaurant, but if I could travel back to my home country of Brazil, my bucket list food destination would be Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais. Despite being Brazilian, I am yet to visit. It’s known for its rich culinary heritage and variety of local ingredients. I would love to explore its food culture and uncover more about the traditional techniques and flavours.