Grand Lafayette

After an extended pandemic-driven hiatus, Prahran's Grand Lafayette shifted gears in a big way, reopening in May 2022 with a brand-new chef and refreshed food direction.

Now with chef Jonny Wu (Misschu) at the helm, the 100-seat all-day eatery celebrates classic Japanese flavours reimagined with a modern accent, and even boasts a dedicated tempura station. Embrace the crunch with delicately battered morsels ranging from mixed mushrooms ($26.5), to kingfish ($29.5), to oysters served with yuzu maple ponzu and rose salt (4pc, $25.5).

Elsewhere on the new a la carte menu, an expansive lineup of raw bites and sushi features the likes of beef tataki ($26.5), soft shell crab roll elevated with broccolini and sweet corn miso (8 pc, $23.5) and scallop carpaccio with a black wine glaze ($29.5). Deeper in, expect a mix of familiar favourites and new creations — plump salmon bao ($12), chicken or prawn katsu served with an ume and prune sauce ($14.5), and crab croquettes finished with a spicy jalapeño miso (3pc, $22.5).

There's also a range of rice bowls, noodles and udon soups, including a tempura-topped number made with chicken dashi soy broth ($22).

Meanwhile, fans of Grand Lafayette's earlier days will appreciate the dessert offering, which includes four variations on the oh-so-photogenic signature raindrop cake ($9).

Griffin Simm

Images: Griffin Simm