15 Oct

Looking for a last-minute place for dinner, we discovered Taketori, which is inconspiciously located in a quiet section of King Street. Its modest exterior with black tinted doors and windows opened up into a reasonably large space. It was decorated quite nicely inside, full of dark timbers and somewhat quirky decorations including a colourful origami crane mobile, and although it was perceived to be a more formal restaurant when we first entered, it still felt like casual diners would feel at home. [caption id="attachment_10398" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Una Q -...

21:24 / Food / Japanese / Melbourne CBD / Restaurants / Taketori
07 Oct

Tucked away on the second floor of the Southgate complex, Miyako Japanese Cuisine & Teppanyaki offers authentic Japanese cuisine from new head chef Yosuke Furukawa, recently of Izakaya Den. The restaurant features two teppanyaki grills, and a sushi and sashimi bar serving up market fresh fish. A range of seating options is available, from the regular tables, to the small balcony area (which can even be heated) with wonderful views of the CBD along the Yarra, and private tatami room complete with sunken tables. We opened with a small appetiser...

20:56 / Food / Japanese / Miyako Japanese Cuisine & Teppanyaki / Restaurants / Southbank
04 Oct

Fukuryu Ramen, translating to "Lucky Dragon", is the first Australian restaurant from restaurant group Hakata Ikkousha. Popular in its home country of Indonesia, Ikkousha also has stores in Japan and other Eastern and South East Asian countries. [caption id="attachment_10302" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Tebasaki Chicken Wings ($4 lunch special)[/caption] After a short hike up some stairs we came to the front counter, where we collected an electronic tracker after placing our order. Water and hot tea is available for self-service, and giving a choice of cold, room temperature and carbonated water was...

13:58 / Food / Fukuryu Ramen / Japanese / Melbourne CBD / Restaurants
19 Sep

Magic Mountain Saloon presented a very interesting proposition to city brunch goers with its Asian influenced morning menu. Enticing options covered both sweet and savoury, dry and soupy, light and heavy. The menu ranged from Black Sticky Rice, Strawberries, Banana, Coconut Cream & Dried Mango Granola, to Silken Tofu & Shitake Mushroom Broth, and included more unusual combinations like Smashed Broccoli, Egg, Crispy Pork & Corn Fried Rice. The multi-level restaurant was actually smaller than I expected, though the uppermost floor featured a fall length mirror, giving the illusion...

12:27 / Asian / Cafe / Food / Magic Mountain Saloon / Melbourne CBD
17 Aug

Horse Bazaar is an casual izakaya on Little Lonsdale St, and it's just celebrated its 10th birthday. Only one door down from the Hardware Street junction, it offers cocktails, beers, ciders, wines, spirits and special Japanese imports. In terms of food, there's Japanese tapas to go along with the drinks, though there's mains to feast on too. It doubles as a small event space, hosting things such as live music, hip hop open mic nights and storytelling. Every weeknight there's a food special on. You might come in for...

22:21 / Bar/Pub / Food / Horse Bazaar / Japanese / Melbourne CBD / Restaurants
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