Oshokuji Dokoro Fujitei, St Kilda

Fujitei - Hotate Yaki - Hokkaido (Japanese scallop), pan seared in Japanese sake ($9 ea)

17 Nov Oshokuji Dokoro Fujitei, St Kilda

Posted at 19:51h in Food, Japanese, Oshokuji Dokoro Fujitei, Restaurants, St Kilda by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

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.

Fujitei - Soy duck breast - Sliced steamed duck breast with mustard and ponzu ($15) — Soy duck breast - Sliced steamed duck breast with mustard and ponzu ($15)

Fujitei (29) Sushi Moriawase - Tuna, salmon, hiramasa kingfish, sea bream — Sushi Moriawase - Tuna, salmon, hiramasa kingfish, sea bream

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.

Fujitei - Gin Dara Saikyo Miso Yaki - Cured black cod in chef’s special miso, grilled ($22) — Gin Dara Saikyo Miso Yaki - Cured black cod in chef’s special miso, grilled ($22)

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.

Fujitei - Lamb Cutlets - Lamb cutlet from the rack served on home made sweet soy marinade ($28) — Lamb Cutlets - Lamb cutlet from the rack served on home made sweet soy marinade ($28)

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.

Fujitei - Kuro Goma Panna Cotta - Black sesame panna cotta dressed roasted rice flour and dusted with green tea powder ($10)

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.