KOI Dessert Bar: Prices, Owner, Menu & Reviews (2025)

A MasterChef alum’s dessert empire commands luxury prices across Sydney and Melbourne — but does the artistry justify the cost? This fact-checked guide breaks down the pricing, the menu, and the story behind KOI Dessert Bar.

Owner: Reynold Poernomo (with brothers Ronald and Arnold) – KOI Dessert Bar official site ·
Locations: Chippendale (Sydney), Ryde, Melbourne ·
Instagram Followers: 261K ·
Signature Cake: Pandan Coconut Palm Sugar (serves 8‑10) – KOI Dessert Bar Cakes shop ·
Price Tier: Luxury / Premium

Seven key facts about KOI Dessert Bar, drawn from the brand’s official channels.

Is KOI Dessert Bar expensive?

Yes — KOI positions itself as a luxury dessert experience, and the prices reflect that. The Dessert Dining menu listed on OpenTable is priced at A$155 per person (OpenTable listing). A YouTube reviewer who visited the tasting‑menu experience reported paying A$185 for a 10‑course menu (Tim Lee, YouTube). TripAdvisor reviews show a party of four spending $525 including two bottles of wine, and another reviewer noted a per‑person cost of $88 for a single meal (TripAdvisor customer reviews).

The venue uses premium ingredients and hands‑on techniques, which justify the higher price point for many guests. For a special‑occasion dessert destination in Sydney, the cost aligns with other premium dining experiences — such as the high‑end tasting menus found at Light Years Newcastle.

The pattern: KOI charges luxury prices, and customer feedback suggests the experience justifies the cost for special occasions, but it’s not an everyday dessert stop.

Who is the owner of KOI Dessert Bar?

Is Koi owned by Reynold?

• Reynold Poernomo is the co‑owner and creative force, alongside his brothers Ronald and Arnold Poernomo – KOI Cakes brand page
• The business is family‑run and operates three physical venues plus an online cake shop

Reynold, a MasterChef Australia alumnus, brings his pastry‑chef expertise to every dish. The KOI brand is a family affair: the Poernomo brothers together run both the dessert bar and the adjacent KOI Dining concept. While Reynold is the most public face, the business is a shared venture.

The catch: although Reynold’s MasterChef fame drives much of the attention, the operational backbone comes from the entire family team.

Does Reynold from MasterChef have a restaurant?

Yes — Reynold Poernomo owns and operates KOI Dessert Bar, which has locations in Chippendale (Sydney), Ryde (Sydney), and Melbourne (KOI official site). In addition to the dessert bar, Reynold is co‑owner of KOI Dining, a full‑service restaurant. However, the dessert bar remains his flagship venture and the one most associated with his MasterChef‑honed pastry skills.

Why this matters: for fans of Reynold’s television appearances, visiting KOI is a direct way to taste the creativity that made him a household name in Australia.

Is Reynold Poernomo successful?

By any measure, yes. KOI Dessert Bar has expanded from a single Chippendale shop to three locations and a thriving online cake ordering business. The brand was voted “Best Cakes in Sydney” by its shop’s own claims, and its Instagram following of 261K indicates strong consumer engagement (KOI Dessert Bar Cakes Shop). Reynold is regularly cited as one of Australia’s leading pastry chefs, with his MasterChef performance cementing his credibility.

The trade-off: while Reynold’s personal brand is powerful, the long‑term sustainability depends on maintaining quality across multiple venues — a challenge for any luxury food business.

Which dessert is the most expensive?

Globally, the Guinness World Records recognises the “Frrrozen Haute Chocolate” at Serendipity 3 in New York as the most expensive dessert (Guinness World Records). At KOI Dessert Bar, the most expensive items are custom celebration cakes — priced on request and made to order. The signature Pandan Coconut Palm Sugar cake (serves 8–10) is the most prominently featured luxury cake on their menu, but exact pricing is not publicly listed.

The implication: while KOI doesn’t chase world records, its bespoke cakes place it firmly in the premium tier of Australian dessert offerings.

What customers say

“Unlike Anything Else.”

– KOI Dessert Bar homepage, as seen on koidessertbar.com.au

“We were a party of four and spent $525 including two bottles of wine and an oyster option. Worth it for the experience.”

– TripAdvisor review, August 2024 (customer review)

For anyone searching for a special‑occasion dessert destination in Sydney or Melbourne, the decision is clear: KOI offers a premium experience at premium prices, and the value lies in the artistry and presentation rather than volume or daily indulgence.