Yakimono

From the mind of Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Kisume) comes new 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.

Heading up the kitchen, Huxtaburger's Daniel Wilson is plating up an offering of adventurous dishes, with bites like spicy beef tartare, curried sweet potato gyoza with miso apple yoghurt, and skewers of wagyu beef intercostal in a smoky soy glaze.

Barbecued pork cheek is finished with sesame and fermented chilli; a whole miso-glazed chook comes teamed with smoked chicken fat rice, charcoal salt and a spicy slaw; and a dish of smoked eel udon features shimeji mushrooms and an onsen egg.

Meanwhile, the bar is pouring ten beers and four wines on tap, alongside a selection of bottled vino and sake that doesn't take itself too seriously. A range of Japanese-accented cocktails and bubble tea rounds out the liquid fun.

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.

by Julian Lallo

Yakimono is at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne, open daily from 12pm–late.

Venue Images: Tom Blachford. Food Images: Julian Lallo and Adrian Lander