279 — Restaurant in Melbourne

I rarely leave any negative comments for a place, unless the place is exceptionally bad.

This comment isn’t about the food here, it’s about the service. The food is lovely except for the portion is a bit small like most of the comments here mentioned.

I came in today at 2pm on my own. The waitress ask me if I want to sit outside as inside is full and there were about 3 other groups waiting. She did mention if I don’t mind the rain I can take the table outside. I sat down and was wondering if the food comes and it starts pouring can I move my table under the shelter. The waitress said no I can’t move my table, and I asked if I can put my name down on the wait list so that if I get a table inside while eating I can just move in. She said no I can’t move it’s unfair for others. I then asked her if she is expecting me to eat in the rain, what if it starts pouring. She said if I want to get a table inside on the waitlist I can’t order any food until I get a table inside and kitchen closes at 2.30, so there is no guarantee I can order food. She asked me if I want to just get a drink instead.

I said no I came here for the food, and I just want to eat while wait for a table inside. She then threw it to my face and said “ just do whatever you want”, and she walked away… yes she walked away and I was left there feeling awkward

All I wanted was to order food while have my name in the waitlist and move inside when there is space. That was all I asked for. Not only the waitress made me feel like an exceptionally demanding customer, it was irritating for her to walk away from a customer and said “ do whatever you want”.

A second waitress came to me and asked me if I want to move inside as there is a spot for one person to sit on the bench. throughout the entire time here, the first waitress who left me didn’t even look at me and came serve. the boys at the kitchen were helpful, but non of the waitress were making me feel welcome. Especially the one who left me outside.

I’ve been to a lot of cafes with outdoor sits, I was always offered to move in when space became available indoor. Never have I ever experienced this kind of attitude from a waitress until today.

I will come back for the food, but hopefully I’m not being treated the same way again. I felt horrible...

The long waiting time (50 minutes at 1:30pm) was worth it! Honestly the closest to authentic japanese food I've had in a very long time. All dishes were of amazing quality and beautifully crafted. Words of caution though, my partner and I ordered $60 worth of things altogether including drinks and we were only 4 or 5 out of 10 full after. Drink filled us up a bit but either order 2 mains per person or get ready to eat another meal somewhere else afterwards lol. Kitchen closed at 2:30 so we couldn't even order more food but anyway... We ordered the following and this is what we think of the flavors: [Meals, drinks, dessert]: Ten Musu, Absolutely amazing. The 5/5 rating is purely because of this dish. Complex flavours in the sauce (it tastes amazing as a soup and perfect as a tempura sauce like how?), every tempura fried to perfection without feeling oily, and well, just the whole dynamic of this dish (altho a bit small) deserves a 11/10. Shio Negi, the wasabi was the best part of this dish, it's not standard wasabi as it had a bit of their own flares to it. Definitely didn't taste like packet ones. The rest of the dish was.. a little plain in comparison, not the best but certainly not the worst. 7/10. Kome miso soup, it was pleasant. Can't really go wrong with miso but there wasn't much substance and ingredients in it. However, the flavour wasn't offensive so 8/10. Houjicha Latte, a little too milky for our liking, not our favourite houjicha. 4/10. Yuzunade, simple yuzu lemonade. Perfectly Sweet, but not overly. This cup of (lemon)ade was so big compared to the rest! My partner and I couldn't even finish it cos we got too gassy lol. For what it is and comparing to other places', this one is an 8/10. Lastly, our dessert was Kuzu Mochi (kinako). This really reminded me of the Warabi Mochi that I had in Kyoto, authentic and great for mochi...

Being half-Japanese, I used to call musubi a "sandwich" and Saba Ochazuke a 'Tea Rice' as a kid. The version of musubi and Saba Ochazuke, at 279 didn’t disappoint. The rice was perfectly prepared — distinct, chewy, and firm — a true reflection of the authentic care and craftsmanship of Japanese cuisine. The tea, paired with perfectly cooked quality rice, hit the spot and delivered a comforting, satisfying experience.

We enjoyed a delightful double date with friends at 279, making the experience even more memorable. Our orders included Negi Shio, Saba Ochazuke, Katsu, Matcha Tiramisu, Miso Brownie, and Hojicha Latte. Each dish brought its own unique charm, adding layers of flavor and variety to an already enjoyable outing.

A small hiccup occurred when my friend tried to order a Kinako Mochinut, only to find it had sold out, as they’re freshly made in limited quantities each day. The server promptly suggested the Miso Brownie as an alternative, which turned out to be an excellent choice. While some might see the limited availability as inconvenient, I saw it as a testament to the café’s dedication to quality and freshness. Knowing that each dish is thoughtfully crafted and served at its peak only added to the charm of the experience.

Overall, 279 offers a memorable dining experience that combines authentic Japanese flavors with thoughtful presentation and quality ingredients. From the perfectly prepared musubi and comforting Saba Ochazuke to the variety of dishes that cater to different tastes, every bite reflects the care and craftsmanship of the kitchen. The friendly service and dedication to freshness further enhance its charm, making it a delightful spot to enjoy with friends or revisit for more unique...