Yamato

Authentic foods with authentic settings! Tried to visit this place about a year or two ago but was closed. This time, came across this place again and decided to give it a try. We came here around 5pm and the tables started to fill up. The place isn't that big so I suggest to come early otherwise you may have to queue. We ordered their banquet no.3 and the foods were very delicious. There were 8 courses including the appetizers, main, and desserts. The salmon sashimi was very fresh and the nabe soup was very memorable! They put the chicken balls and the taste was like dumpling fillings. The set was very good choice especially during cold weather. It warmed up or body and soul. Will definitely come back next time to try other dishes.

Such a homey, authentic and atmospheric restaurant and truly feels like you're back in a family restaurant in Japan. One of Melbourne's hidden gems for sure, down a small alleyway and with a humble entrance with an old sign and handwritten notes, you wouldn't think too much of it were it not for the lines of people queuing in front once it's past 7. My friend and I came at 6 on a Tuesday and it was already very full in this small place, and we were asked to take our shoes off before seating on the tatami mats and cushions, and it already felt so homey. There was a huge variety on the menu and the food was amazing. Would absolutely come back again.

I straight up blew away so much money here recently. Cosy, Authentic Japanese Izakaya hidden in an alleyway. Doesn't really promote themselves but it's always full. Perfect place for a couple or a small group drinking. Not exactly spacious inside but the interior was on point with Japanese songs playing in the background. Tried most of their dishes and I highly recommend their Sukiyaki, Beef Tataki, and this Japanese cocktail in a jug (forgot the name!) Their Sukiyaki = best value-for-money. Light, simple, and delicious. Huge portion size too. FYI, their beer is a bit expensive ($10.50 for a glass). So if you are planning to drink drink, bring a bottle yourself ($10 corkage fee). Definitely my new favourite place!

What a wonderful place this is. In the heart of Chinatown and up a laneway is this great japanese restuarant. I've been here a couple of times and on my latest visit I had a banquet dinner which was superb. We had some delicious sushimi, fried gyozas, seaweed, tempura, a yummy soup, a BIG hot pot (I forgot the pic) and some green tea ice cream and a vanilla ice cream with red bean. Everything was really tasty and for a city restuarant this was excellent value. They also serve some Japanese rice beer and a variety of sakes. I had the best time and I'm definitely going back! Happy days.

Very cosy Japanese restaurant, gotta take off your shoes to sit in a Japanese style chair and table. We had standard Japanese dishes like sashimi and nigiri. Entries we had Nasu dengaku, tayoyaki katsu don and tempura. The pokka lychee was an ultimate thirst quencher in that hot day but it was only 300ml. Pretty standard, good taste and good atmosphere. They play some jpop songs.

This is probably the cutest and most authentically Japanese restaurants I’ve been to in Melbourne. It’s a hidden gem tucked away in Chinatown with a second location on Exhibition. It’s full of Japanese knick knacks and offers a menu that rotates (or at least during covid it does). On the night I visited, it was izakaya style. I ordered satisfyingly chewy agedashi mochi served in a flavourful broth, tender and flavourful nasu dengaku, greens in a sesame dressing and a side of rice. I didn’t try any drinks but from what I saw on offer, the beer selection is great.