Group Executive Chef Kasper Christensen, Matthew Kenney and Ovolo Woolloomooloo GM David Sude

Sydney hotel Ovolo Woolloomooloo has announced a partnership with renowned US restaurateur Matthew Kenney to bring his plant-based food concept to Australia.

The restaurant, which is set to open in late-March, will be named Alibi and will be located on the hotel’s ground floor, offering a solely plant-based menu inside a casual lounge-style bar and restaurant.

Californian chef Kenney has picked up numerous awards while based in the US, including Best New Chef in America by Food and Wine Magazine, and he is excited to offer a new dining concept for groups on the waterfront.

Kenney said: “I’ve had a long relationship with Australia and the timing was simply right. Australia is seen as a leader in wellbeing and lifestyle and Ovolo came to me with the opportunity at the right time.

“The food scene is so vibrant here – great produce, chefs, sunshine. I’m enjoying exploring the amazing and diverse produce available in Australia.”

Ovolo Hotels’ Founder & CEO Girish Jhunjhnuwala said the idea to bring the concept to the property was a response to the growing wellness trend throughout in Australia.

“We have listened to the market and know that healthy eating is a priority, so we made the decision to partner with Matthew to develop a new plant-based concept not yet seen in an Australian hotel restaurant,” he said