Yakimono
This colourful Chris Lucas venture features a futuristic aesthetic and a menu filled with Japanese street food that's cooked over flames.
Overview
From the mind of Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Kisume, Grill Americano, Society) comes the 80 Collins venture, Yakimono — a two-storey Japanese diner with a street food menu that's fuelled by fire.
An ode to the late-night izakayas of Tokyo — where Lucas spent three years living and working — it's serving a fresh riff on Japanese street eats, melding classic flavours with a touch of Melbourne flair.
Pete Dillon
Heading up the kitchen, Huxtaburger's Daniel Wilson is plating up an offering of adventurous dishes, with bites like sweet corn tempura with Grana Padano, a Yaki Hot Dog with mustard and grilled jalapeno on a milk bun, and miso beef tataki with citrus ponzu.
The Yaki mixed sashimi with ginger and finger lime is a perennial menu favourite, as are the experimental sushi handrolls, think panko prawn with spicy mustard mayo, tobiko and finger lime, or mushroom with citrus mustard.
A dedicated 'sticks' menu allows the chefs to showcase their cooking-over-fire skills, with a variety of options ranging from scallops with apple-soy glaze to smoked Swordfish with green chilli to wagyu beef intercostal to hot honey-glazed carrots with black sesame sauce. Fill up on seafood and meats such as roasted king salmon with unagi glaze, or Tokyo grilled chicken with barbecue spring onion, alongside duck fried rice, charred cauliflower steak with crispy rice and Japanese potato salad with yuzu mayonnaise.
Adrian Lander
It's a moody, yet colourful space, with digital art and clever lighting lending a futuristic edge. Both the central open kitchen and the bar feature ringside seats for those wanting to be close to the action, while the Corner Room boasts private dining for up to 14 guests. It's certainly one of the best private dining rooms in Melbourne.
The team have also introduced YakiHour, a new daily, pre-dinner offering of quick-fire snacks and Japanese-inspired cocktails for just $15. From 5 to 6pm daily, head to the Collins Street hangout for a curated menu of flame-kissed plates, including crispy eggplant with plum vinegar glaze, karaage chicken with chilli crisp mayo, prawn gyoza, and tuna tartare. Perfect for a post-work pop-in, or a snack before a show or evening out on the town, the team behind the bar will be shaking up Matsumoto Martinis, Sendai Sours, Tokyo Tommy's and more — and for just $15, you can afford to try a few.
Top images: Pete Dillon and Adrian Lander
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