Shira Nui has been on my list to hit up and seeing as work was super close to it, it was definitely a lunch break kinda place. Luckily for me, there was a lunch menu and lunch only had two sessions, 12-1PM and 1-2PM which meant, we had to leave on the dot. We visited on a Friday lunch and boy oh boy were we glad that we made a booking because it was jam-packed! We were seated immediately and as the minutes ticked by, more and more people came in and a few people were turned away due to how busy it was.
Gaijin Japanese Fusion, South Yarra
My old work colleague has been raving on about this Japanese joint that he absolutely adores and I figured why not hit it up on our next catchup. Gaijin is located on Commercial Road in South Yarra, just a bit further out than the other restaurants which means plenty of parking around. A reservation was recommended according to the website and so I followed the instructions, texted them and did not get a response. So my friend made the booking and BAM she got a reservation. Not a great start for me. Now, back to the night, the staff were super friendly and we were excited! One of the specials that night was the cheesy gyozas. I adore gyozas and I adore cheese and together, they were MAGICAL!
Cheesy Gyozas – $15
Shonan Kamakura, Melbourne
Shonan Kamakura, a little Japanese eatery hidden away in Katherine Place away from the bustling main street. It’s small (yep, whatever you see through the window is what you get) but don’t let the size fool you. The service is efficient, friendly and very attentive. It doesn’t matter how small or big your group is, you’ll get the same service. Walking in you’ll be greeted by the bar (who doesn’t enjoy a good drink by the bar) and a mural of Mount Fuji on the side at the back.
The Modern Eatery, Richmond
The iconic neon cat with the letters sprawled “TME” across it. Located on the busy Swan Street in Richmond. The Modern Eatery, house of Aburi. We love everything and anything Japanese so we were super duper excited to check it out with One Piece Left.
Tokyo Sushi Kitchen, South Melbourne
TSK is the the new sushi joint in town and I was luckily enough to be invited to their opening launch in South Melbourne. Music pumping, free flowing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinkies, who couldn’t be more excited.
Izakaya Kuuraku, Melbourne
Mr D and I absolutely adore Japanese cuisine, we can’t get enough of it. We’ve been eyeing Izakaya Kuuraku but never had the chance to try it, until now…BOOM! Walking in, it felt more like a bar with seats – music pumping and heaps of people having after work drinkies. We were lucky enough to check out the omakase menu which means you leave it up to the chef to decide what you’re going to get. We tucked in and let our tummies enjoy the food.
Miss Kasumi, Kew
Since coming back from my Japan trip, I’ve been loving Japanese food even more so when there’s a new Japanese eatery in town, of course I’d say yes to go and visit. Miss Kasumi, located in Kew away from the main road sits right on the corner of High Street and Derby St and serves contemporary Japanese cuisine. With ample parking in the side streets, parking isn’t an issue. When we stepped inside, we were greeted by oh so friendly staff and went eagerly to our table.
Wagaya, Melbourne CBD
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.
QLD: Ninja Sushi Burritos, Rockhampton
We were in Mumsy and Daddy Bears favourite shopping centre, Stockland and we eyed a sushi joint for some lunch. Upon closer inspection, we found that they not only did sushi and other dishes, but they do sushi burritos. What is a sushi burrito you may ask? it’s a fat ass sushi roll.
Hako, Melbourne
Dinner with the gang again and we (when I said we I mean Mr Burberry) felt like Japanese. He chose Hako for a Saturday dinner and of course Melbourne was pouring down raining. We got inside it was actually quite cosy. It felt really modern and fun inside.
Kitchen
Bar