Wabi Sabi Salon
Fun, fusion Japanese that can be found on both side of the river.
Overview
Although Wabi Sabi Salon is located in Collingwood, this is one for both northsiders and southsiders alike. Wabi Sabi also have an outpost in St Kilda called Wabi Sabi Garden, meaning that no one has to cross the river. These guys love authentic food with a fusion twist. And they also dig local produce sourced daily from the markets. The menu is varied, featuring anything from tempura oysters, to sweet potato chips with yuzu sour cream, to wagyu beef sashimi and twice-cooked pork belly. There is also a range of sashimi and sushi on offer as well — platters are a good way to go.
Highlights from the sharing menu include the pan fried teriyaki broccolini with chickpeas and toasted seaweed, while the octopus carpaccio is light and delicate and comes with red onion, ponzu, sesame oil and dill. Other highlights include the pumpkin stuffed mushroom tempura with teriyaki balsamic and pumpkin seeds while the spiced lamb meatball with cheese and red miso is a curious dish packed with flavour.
If you're a traditional style stew with opt for a vegan or mixed oven and a warm sake to back it up. The ramens include a tan tan ramen in chicken bone, sesame broth and spicy chicken meat, while the vegan option is a mushroom and seaweed base with spicy soy meat. For an after dinner treat opt for a blue cheese and a cool sake or the seasonal homemade ice cream.