All the baby cousins decided to take me out just before the wedding and because I wanted something light (so I can fit into my dress), they booked a Japanese place in the city – Wagaya. It was in the mid-city arcade and you’ll have to take the elevator to get there so don’t be disheartened if you’re struggling to find the place. When we got there, it was quite lively and a touch on the loud side. We were shown to our booth upstairs and the babies started rushing towards the touchscreen to place their orders.
After you place your orders, they’ll tell you the status of each dish. If it has a man cooking, it means that dish is currently being prepared. Once your dish is finished, it’ll change to the steaming hot bowl and someone will bring it out to you (that is what I call service mate!).
The babies ordered so many dishes so I’ll just show you a small selection of what we had at Wagaya. Takoyaki because everyone loves these little octopus balls topped with mayo, these were the bomb. Careful, they’re extremely hot so don’t shove the whole thing into your mouth. Remember to check your temp.
Takoyaki (6pc) – $7.50
Dragon rolls are grilled eel sushi with cheese on the inside and topped with a crunchy lotus flower. Strange flavours but it went well together. Loved the eel, the lotus flower not so much.
Dragon Roll (6pc) – $13.70
I couldn’t get enough of grilled eel so we had eel skewers and I found that it was a touch on the cold side (shouldn’t it be hot?).
Eel skewers – $12
For those who like their salmon, I suggest you get the salmon avocado handroll. Large piece of salmon quite nice if you’re into your handrolls.
Salmon Avocado Handroll (1pc) – $4.30
There’s even sea urchin in a savoury egg custard which was quite nice if you wanted to be a bit more adventurous.
Sea Urchin Chawan-mushi – $9.40
Or you could go for the rainbow sushi which consists of three different sashimi.
Rainbow Sushi (3pc) – $6.20
Wagaya has quick service, friendly staff and are very efficient at what they do. However, it is loud, some dishes were a hit and miss and there’s a huge variety of dishes to choose from. The have a range of dishes from traditional sushi to the not so traditional Japanese pizzas. This place is great if you’re passing by but I wouldn’t go out of my way to search for it.
Mid City Arcade, 201/200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9663 7756
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