The Samesyn Story: A Foodie Journey in Torquay

The Samesyn Story: A Foodie Journey in Torquay

Samesyn restaurant, located on Bell Street in Torquay, opened its doors in late 2019, founded by local chef Graham Jefferies. With a rich culinary background that includes stints at top establishments like Pettavel and Baveras, and the award-winning Tulip in Geelong, Graham’s dream was to create a vibrant dining space in his hometown.

Opening just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Samesyn quickly forged strong connections within the community. Despite the challenges, the restaurant gained a solid reputation and was honored with a hat in the Age Good Food Guide in 2022. However, Graham felt there was something missing.

A friendship with Brooke Murphy, founder of the Surf Coast’s Feed Me initiative, opened Graham’s eyes to the issues of food waste and insecurity in the region. With about 30% of food produced in Australia ending up in landfill, the stark reality of food wastage deeply resonated with him. This led to discussions about how Samesyn could make a difference.

 

The Birth of Samesyn 2.0

Inspired by these conversations, Graham envisioned transforming Samesyn into a purpose-driven organization. Thus, Samesyn 2.0 was born—a restaurant committed to minimizing food waste while supporting the community. The goal was clear: create delicious meals that contribute to a greater cause.

Samesyn 2.0 partners with Feed Me to rescue food destined for landfill, ensuring that perfectly good produce reaches those in need. By offering a “pay what you feel” model at local markets, Feed Me empowers everyone to access affordable food while raising funds to combat food insecurity.

A Sustainable Dining Experience

Opened in February 2024, Samesyn 2.0 embodies a commitment to sustainability and community service. The restaurant operates without traditional waste management, banning single-use items and striving for near-zero waste through composting and recycling. Each dish features overlooked ingredients, showcasing the beauty of using every part of a plant or animal.

Graham’s transformative vision even led him to London for an internship at Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant. This experience inspired the restaurant’s new direction, prompting a complete reimagining of how food can be sourced, prepared, and enjoyed.

 

Culinary Innovation

At Samesyn 2.0, the menu is a celebration of creativity and sustainability. Each dish incorporates at least one ingredient typically considered waste, such as herb stem vinegar or chicken oysters. In a bold move, the restaurant has replaced traditional Angus steak with dry-aged beef from retired dairy cows, turning a potential waste product into a flavorful dining experience.

The restaurant also proudly participates in the Good Fish Project, ensuring that no endangered seafood is served and that all meat comes from vetted free-range farms. This commitment to responsible sourcing reflects Samesyn’s dedication to both quality and ethics.

A Unique Dining Atmosphere

Samesyn 2.0 features an inviting and friendly ambiance, where guests can enjoy exceptional food and wine while knowing their patronage supports those in need. With no front-of-house staff, the restaurant relies on a team of passionate chefs who prepare, cook, and serve each dish, sharing their techniques and philosophy with diners.

The extensive wine list offers a mix of traditional and minimal intervention options, while cocktails often feature foraged ingredients, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

 

An Important Initiative

Samesyn 2.0 is more than just a restaurant; it’s a heartfelt initiative dedicated to making a difference in the Torquay community. By prioritizing sustainability, reducing food waste, and supporting local families facing food insecurity, Samesyn is setting a new standard for what it means to dine with purpose.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Torquay, dining at Samesyn 2.0 is an opportunity to enjoy delicious food while contributing to a vital cause. Come experience the warmth, creativity, and commitment to community that defines Samesyn, and be part of a culinary journey that inspires change.

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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.