17 Nov Oshokuji Dokoro Fujitei, St Kilda
Brand new to St Kilda is another Japanese restaurant, this one located on the quiet and leafy Wellington Street. The site was previously home to local favourite Wabi Sabi Garden, but now under new management, it has transformed into Oshokuji Dokoro Fujitei.
The restaurant has a deceptively narrow frontage; the block extends quite a fair way back, allowing room for a separate building behind, separated from the main restaurant by a garden. A function room resides upstairs.
The menu is quite extensive and it reads so well that it’s difficult to pick which to order. We get the Hotate Yaki on recommendation by the staff, and it’s a winner. The super plump and juicy scallops are pan-seared in Japanese sake, accompanied by salty mushrooms and a creamy sauce in the shell. The broth it’s all sitting in is incredibly flavoursome.
Sushi and sashimi are an obvious feature on the menu, and we’re treated to fresh slices of tuna, salmon, hiramasa kingfish and sea bream.
We indulge in the rich, buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture of the grilled Cured Black Cod. Miso cod is always a favourite of mine, and the chef’s special miso is certainly tasty.
The Lamb Cutlets are so tender and mild in flavour it’s almost like eating a good cut of beef. There’s pepper in the sauce, but it’s not overpowering, and a variety of vegetables mellow out the salty flavours. We’re even impressed by the rice, which is freshly steamed for dinner service – the fluffy, well separated grains are perfectly done.
We finish with the Kuro Goma Panna Cotta – black sesame panna cotta dressed in roasted rice flour and dusted with green tea powder. While pricey for its size, it’s delicious.
Good Japanese cuisine is generally known for being quite expensive, but Fujitei is actually pretty good value given the quality of the food. Regulars of Wabi Sabi Garden need not mourn. Fujitei is a very worthy successor.
Disclaimer: I was invited to Fujitei as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time
Oshokuji Dokoro Fujitei
17 Wellington St
St Kilda, VIC, 3182
(03) 8797 5068
http://www.fujitei.com.au
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