The service is impeccable here. I'd advise booking ahead on the popular nights like Friday and…read moreSaturday. The food was fabulous as well, hot fresh and tasty.

Being a fan of Japanese food I was very excited when I discovered Yokoso Izakaya in my local…read moreneighborhood. We ordered soft shell crab sushi roll which was delicious. When the waitress discovered we were sharing it she offered to to ensure the roll was sliced into six rather than five so we didn't have to fight over the last piece! We ordered a warm sake and were delighted when it came out in a cute little pourer bottle in the shape of a man. The food was fresh and tasty and we'll be going back for more!

I've never experienced a Teppanyaki restaurant before so I'm ecstatic Fuji was my first try…read more This is an upper class establishment all the way, at very affordable prices. For $50 you can spoil yourself to the tastiest Teppanyaki that I believe could be in Melbourne. Located in the fine food and bar and lounge centre of Moonee Ponds with easy access by train and tram, Fuji offers more than a dining and food experience. I was so entertained and impressed by the Chef, who tossed and fried and cooked the shit out of our fish, right at our table. The aroma, flavours, sizzle, the skills and authenticity of the whole thing created a surreal feeling. It was truly amazing. This is a very traditional Japanese restaurant, the waitresses look stunning with in costume. The whole place is exquisite with an entire Oriental feel. There's nothing quite more I can say in words that describes the awesomeness of Fuji. If you're yet to try Teppanyaki, take yourself (and your girl/guy), to Teppanyaki. Great atmosphere for couples.

We had a fabulous night at Fuji Teppanyaki to celebrate my mums birthday! Sets range in price…read moreranging from $60-$128 but what you need to remember about that is that you're paying for the entertainment as well as your food. The food was delicious! I'm not a huge seafood eater, but there wasn't one thing that was presented to me that I didn't eat and enjoy! Our Chef was really friendly and the wait staff were very thorough and happy to have a laugh with us! Not one member of my group didn't enjoy themselves. I can highly recommend Fuji Teppanyaki, if you're looking to have a very fun night and eat some delicious food.

Chiba used to occupy a much smaller venue on Hall Street closer to the Mt Alexander Rd end. They…read morewere pumping then, always having a full dining room so I was interested when they moved to see if they could keep it up. They can! The food is fresh and tasty. The Kaki Fry (fried oysters) is one of my favorites and never fails to satisfy. The sushi is delicious and creative. The staff are friendly and helpful. The restaurant decor creates a good atmosphere however this is let down whenever the phone rings. The ringing tone sounds like a poker machine and gave myself and my guest an unfortunate vibe last time we visited. This aside Chiba is a great Japanese restaurant that i will continue to visit.

As someone who consistently seeks new flavours, experiences and techniques, Chiba Japanese…read morerestaurant has again proven its longevity after I've returned for yet another of its simply and expertly executed meals. The decor is modern and the furnishings clean, with finesse that is uniquely Japanese, setting the tone for the meals that rapidly flow from the kitchen. Fresh & traditional dishes are served by polite wait staff who weave through the often fully booked restaurant efficiently and professionally. All levels of flavour preferences can easily be met; you will often see children with their parents at the first dinner sitting, and popular Western favourites like hand rolls and teriyaki chicken also grace the menu. This however, is not what should be expected as the standard from Chiba, as they offer dishes for a more refined palette like takaki beef and octopus sashimi. Comfortable, impeccable and very reasonably priced, Chiba Japanese restaurant never disappoints.

Lovely meal at Aka Siro!…read more It was my last day in Melbourne, the brother and I ventured to Collingwood to visit the restaurant that we've always been curious about, Aka Siro - A quaint Japanese eatery situated on the quiet corner of Peel St. and Cambridge St.. We arrived just a little after 1 pm and judging from the long queue of people willing to stand outside in the cold, you could definitely size up the popularity of Aka Siro. The restaurant has a petite physicality with half of its seating capacity dedicated to the bar seating, and the other half to tables/dining areas. The menu was equally limited, but all seems very tempting. We ordered several dishes to share: * Karaage Curry: This was a foolproof plate of curry. The chicken was deliciously crispy and tender, the curry was also very hearty! * Nizakana Teishoku: Fish fillet braised with soy, sake and ginger. Fresh and tender fish, but the flavor was nothing too special. * Gyu-Teki Teishoku: This dish was freaking delicious!! The beef was tender, succulent and juicy, the house made sauce was very delicious and addicting. We love every bite of this. Aka Siro certainly satiate our appetite for traditional Japanese cuisine. The food was authentically Nippon, the space was cozy and homey, the service was also hospitable. The Price, on the other hand, was more on the higher side of the scale (each costing between $ 17-22) especially when you witness the (tiny) portions, but the overall flavor was on point!! Aka Siro was well worth the travel! Tip: RSVP is recommended & cash only.

Had dinner at this lovely Japanese restaurant in Collingwood. Very good authentic Japanese cuisine…read more It's the second time we've been this trip. It's a small place and is always busy so make sure you make reservations ahead of time. #maneklady #manekeats #manektravels

Stay far away from this place. The food is below average and the service is outright disgraceful…read more The waitress with glasses was extremely rude, got our drinks wrong, and never once bothered to check on our meals -- and this was when the restaurant wasn't even busy. What makes it worse is the blatant double standards. White customers were treated differently from non-white customers. When I tried to give feedback, the so-called manager claimed she "wasn't working" yet still happily took our payment. My concerns were dismissed and ignored. This is unprofessional, unacceptable, and reeks of discrimination. Do yourself a favor and go to Okami instead -- the food and service there are miles better. First visit, and without question, the last.

OK it's Saturday evening on Sydney Road and you're in the mood for trying a new place to eat. Well,…read moreif this happens to you get yourself here. Food is amazing (even the wife is convinced of the merits of Japanese food). Great atmosphere, lively, even happy hour Sake and beer if you happen to roll in at 6-7pm. This place is definitely a new fav. Do yourself a favour and sample the various starters and skewers (as we did); shame we were too full to have a second main as they sounded great. Food heaven. Why haven't I tried this place before?!

I was a bit desperate for Okonomiaki and just passed by this little restaurant, and thought, why…read morenot? Had a mixed tempura and okonomiaki that were both very yummy. The service was great and the prices very reasonable. We spent less than $30 total for two people (but we didn't drink alcohol). Not sure if you can byo, but if you can, there is a bottle shop right next to it. We will be back try out more of the menu.

Since moving in to the area some months ago, every time my partner and I have passed Kumo we mumble…read moreto each other "we really should go there soon." Finally, that very night came last week. Kumo Izakaya as a venue is absolutely beautiful - it is spacious but still intimate, perfect for date night but also for a big group. It has that certain je ne sais quoi that so many venues strive for but can't achieve. The split level seating creates a great ambience while the booths down the side make you feel like a VIP if you're lucky enough to be seated there. Physically this venue is perfection. As per usual, we ordered far too much and regretted it when we saw food for 10 people placed in front of us. Thankfully we are food heroes and refuse to give up on a dish. We enjoyed edamame, the assorted sashimi of the day, takoyaki, garlic soy karaage chicken (glorified but ever-so delicious fried chicken) plus some pickled vegetables. All tasted incredibly fresh, flavoursome and Japanese. I must give bonus points to their Yelp check-in offer - the free "sample" of sake was more than a sample and I struggled to finish it all - very generous! All-in-all a really lovely venue - great for an anniversary or special evening. A true destination restaurant.

Kumo is still just a wee, little spider-cloud baby having opened only a few months yore, but…read morealready it is promising to grow up into a fine, young thing. It's pretty gorgeous looking in here. My man and I pondered over exactly how much it must've cost for the fit-out as we sipped our $35 bottle of sake and played with our food by seeing who could pick up more single egg roe beads without popping them or letting them spring into the beard of the hipster at the next table. (In case you were wondering, I won). Anyway, seeing that we don't know anything at all about costing restaurant fit-outs, we agreed that it must've been very expensive. We sat at the long, communal table in the middle of the room, which was fine, but next time I'm vying for one of the cosy booths, or better yet, one of the upstairs loungey tables where I'm certain I can fully explore the izakaya experience. I mean, izakaya dens are all about chilling and taking ones time over many drinks and the occasional morsel, and what better set up to do that than at a loungey table, right? My recommendation for food: deep-fried potato wrapped prawns. And for drink: any sake on the menu. Kanpai!

For a place that serves quality small plates I'm surprised it doesn't get that much business…read more Everything was simply amazing. The sashimi is so soft and flavorful rich. I'm still baffled at the salad that was served with raw meat and a tiny quail egg. I thought I tried everything Japanese by now, but that was new and amazing. The one thing that wasn't good... matcha beer. It's not a good idea, don't do it. Also wish they served their matcha without soymilk.

From the owner: Gyoza Gyoza, a true unique dining experience of Japanese Izakaya style eatery with over 80 dishes…read moreall from $6.80 per dish.

Whilst looking for somewhere to eat, my boyfriend and I stumbled across Matsumoto and it really…read morecaught our eye. As avid Japanese food lovers we were instantly intrigued. The food menu was extensive and I loved how their was photos corresponding to menu items to give you a sense of what you were in for. Food was good, the share plates... or boats should I say! Looked awesome and we will definitely be returning to try those out. I highly recommend if you're interested in trying Japanese cuisine or love it.

Having lived around the corner from Matsumoto for a good year, you'd think that it would be a…read morepopular spot to have some more upmarket Japanese food as a nice change from those large sushi hand rolls and the like you get everywhere on the go. But having tried it out once, I was satisfied but far from blown away. The sushi and sashimi was good, but nothing to really write home about. As the other reviewer pointed out, it is run by Chinese as opposed to Japanese. The service was pretty good. It was efficient without being exactly warm. Despite my little grievances, it seems that Matsumoto is very popular and is often busy whenever I walk past. It's probably because there is hardly any other Japanese restaurant in the area. It's good, but far from great.

This place was excellent! I love a conveyor belt Sushi restaurant from time to time, and this place…read moredelivers! I walked in and was given a small table next to the belt, and was amazed at all the different dishes coming out. You can also order using your phone, which I did- beer and Saké, which was brought to me within a minute! I also ordered some Sushi that was not on the belt, and it came quickly as well! There were two servers running around, but they were cheerful and funny, and very helpful. I grabbed several plates, and everything I had was fresh and tasty- AND- QUALITY. There are seats right next to the belt, but there are some tables as well, if you want a more normal dining experience. When you are done, they count up your plates, and then you pay at the register- I was amazed at just how cheap my meal was! I will happily come back here again!

Great selection, fair prices. You might take a few minutes to figure out how plate colors work…read more Fresh sushi!