Akasiro — Restaurant in Melbourne

I had been craving some 'home style' authentic Japanese noms for the longest time, not "western adaptions" that is so common these days, and this place was recommended from some locals who were so right! The Mrs and I didn't have a booking (which would be advised for the future - as this place fills SO fast!) yet, we kindly accommodated and seated with a divine window seat in the cozy restaurant so we could watch the sunset. The atmosphere is neat, simple and unassuming. Although the restaurant plan is open, it's provides a blissfully quiet and intimate and cozy dining experience without being outrageously and uncomfortably silent, cramped and crowded. The wait staff are attentive, in the classic Japanese style, where they are aren't in your face.. but are available when you need them. Something I've missed. We ordered Four main dishes and they were restaurant quality with a home-quality heart. They were well balanced and flavourful, without being over powering. The flavours don't have to compete for one another and it's well thought out, although for many people, the serving sizes might have been a bit small for some. Aka Siro is a wonderful little nook that I look forward to making a regular habit, time and...

As a Collingwood resident for 12 + years and prior to that being an expat for 20 years I have had the pleasure of watching the precinct between Smith - Wellington - Johnston and Langridge develop and grow up to become walkable after dark, be a destination for food and wine, coffee, art and culture and most importantly be a place where you want to "belong". Now - we have discovered the gem in the quad - Akasiro Japanese Restaurant. Having lived and worked in Japan I can say with confidence that Akasiro is legit! Cosy, friendly, welcoming and with simple but perfectly put together food it ticks all the boxes. I can't believe I have not taken the time over the last couple of years to experience it. Tonight we did and it was right on point. If you like Japanese food but don't necessarily imagine it to be all sushi, sashimi and noodles then Akasiro is for you. Simple dishes from a short menu, flavoursome, fresh, authentic and not at all expensive. Think small Tokyo neighbourhood family restaurant and that is Akasiro. Thank you to the chef and staff....

A part of me wished that I could rate this place higher because honestly I can see so much potential in the food Akasiro served... but all the food was cold besides the miso soup. Bit biased cos I prefer hot-served food and understandably their intentions are to serve the food cold but that aside... The taste of the food was more on the stronger side. Strong (salty) sauce on katsu and miso too salty for my liking. The duck was the best part with their secret sauce. There were plenty of sides to add colour and variety to the main, some sides better than others but tbh, they were all pretty.. average tasting. Portions were pretty tiny for the price (healthy amount I suppose, to get to 6/10 fullness). I wouldn't complain if I was living in the area and I wanted a healthier takeaway option on the go but unfortunately a very disappointing dine-in experience...