Overview
As Mr Miyagi enters its second decade of trade on Chapel Street, it's proof that despite Melbourne's ever-rotating door of hospitality venues, the best restaurants endure. Mr Miyagi is a rarity in this sense — brushing off momentary food fads and dizzying rebranding in favour of staying loyal to the original idea that won them hearts in Windsor and across the river, over ten years ago.
Modern Japanese is the focus here. The ever-popular Salmon Nori Taco — with Huon Valley salmon belly, sushi rice, spicy napa cabbage and Japanese mayo — continues to be the photographed favourite, but there are highlights to be found throughout the menu. Margaret River MB9+ wagyu beef is prepared tataki style, lifted with sesame ponzu, persimmon, red wine shallots, capers and watercress. The Tempura Broccoli reimagines the oft-maligned brassica with ramen seasoning and salted buffalo ricotta, while a hearty carbonara-inspired udon bowl pairs crispy pork belly with miso butter beurre blanc, garlic, chilli oil, pancetta crumbs and chives. If you're with a group, banquet options starting from $49 for four courses deliver bang for your buck at both lunch and dinner.
Turning to the short but sharp drinks menu, the vodka-based Hello Kitty Sour features lychee liqueur from Rosebud distiller Stache House, lemon and aquafaba. Another 'naughty but nice' cocktail with gin, blood orange, passionfruit, white chocolate and aquafaba is dubbed Yukie Makes a Porno (a nod to Mr Miyagi's former snack bar next door). The bartending team are clearly having fun with the menu and it's paying off — drinks are beautifully balanced; spicy, sour and sweet without verging into sickliness.
Beyond what's written on paper, it's clear that a lot of investment has been put into training the staff, who operate like a slick machine. The bustling ambience and thoughtful fluidity from the front door to the carriage booths out the back creates a fast, fun atmosphere that's perfect for its location. It's this focus on quality fun — from the menus through to the service, neon-pink interiors and cheeky details — that has made Mr Miyagi a staple on Chapel Street's highly competitive restaurant scene.
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