Minamishima

Minamishima offers the best omakase experience in Melbourne! Every dish is beautifully presented and crafted with the finest ingredients. The chefs’ attention to detail and skill truly shine through in each course. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to indulge in exceptional Japanese cuisine!

This was the first time I’ve had such an amazing experience at a Japanese restaurant. I’ve been to several Japanese restaurants before, but perhaps because I’m Japanese, I’ve often been treated rather coldly. However, every staff member here was kind and provided professional service. Of course, the food was absolutely delicious, but I was even more impressed by the service, which made it a truly wonderful experience. I will definitely come back!

We booked a private room for a birthday dinner with family. My wife and I had recently been in Japan, where one of our main activities was experiencing some outstanding omakase restaurants, so I was curious to see how a top Australian such restaurant matched up. Minamishina did not disappoint, not quite matching the best of the restaurants we tried in Japan (Michelin 3 star), but as good as any of the restaurants mainly specialising in sushi. The ingredients used were of very fine quality, the combinations of taste exquisite, and the preparation and presentation faultless. The quality of service was excellent; attentive and friendly. The wine list is very comprehensive and interesting. The meal was quite expensive but very good value given that the price for 6 of us was about the same as for 2 at one restaurant in Japan.

If you’re heading to a restaurant, ready to pay close to $300/head just for food (plus another $350 for drinks), you expect amazing location, service and food. Turning up to a back-street commercial space with low-end fitout doesn’t bode well, especially when the maître d’ unlocks the door and walks away without inviting you in. For the cost, you’d expect more high-end proteins rather than multiple eel courses and muddy river fish. Any high quality raw fish was higher than room temperature, with high fat non-rendered beef similar in presentation, This is an example where a 3 hat AGFG rating blinds you to what this really is: overpriced omokase food in a poor quality location with cheap fitout. You’d be better off flying to Brisbane to eat Omokase at the Sushi Room at the Calile Hotel, with better food, fitout, ambience, atmosphere, accomodation and flights for the same price. Not the smartest $1000 I’ve ever spent.