Izakaya Hosaku — Restaurant in Melbourne

I had an amazing dining experience at Izakaya Hosaku – easily one of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne! Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour. Here’s what we ordered:

🍱 What We Tried: • Hosaku Sashimi Sudoku Box A showstopper! This 3×3 wooden box came with a variety of fresh sashimi – tuna, salmon, hamachi and more. Every bite was buttery and fresh, no soy sauce needed! • Salmon Carpaccio Zesty, fresh, and perfectly sliced — this salmon carpaccio was a flavour bomb. 🍊🐟 • Renkon Chipa (V) Crispy lotus root chips served with a creamy dipping sauce – perfect balance of texture and flavour. Super addictive! • Crispy Enoki Truffle Fried Rice (V) Fried rice with crispy enoki mushrooms and a rich truffle aroma – a creative twist that worked incredibly well. • Wagyu Beef Bowl with Crispy Onion & Sprouts Juicy wagyu beef with crispy onion on rice — flavor-packed and beautifully plated. • Flavoured Yuzu Mochi Light, citrusy, and just sweet enough to wrap up the meal on a refreshing note. • Sapporo Beer Cold, crisp, and smooth – perfect with sashimi. • Strawberry Lychee Mocktail A pretty pink drink with a sweet and tangy flavour combo – super refreshing and not too sweet.

• Sake Flight Sampler Tasting sake has never been this fun! 6 kinds of sake, beautifully served in a wooden box 🍶✨

💬 My Honest Thoughts: • Food: 10/10 – fresh, authentic, and beautifully plated. Each dish had care and creativity behind it. • Service: Friendly and attentive staff – very welcoming! • Atmosphere: Warm, cozy, and stylish. It felt like I was transported to a modern izakaya in Tokyo. • Special Shout-Out: I was especially impressed by the Thai staff member who greeted us so warmly and recommended each dish with confidence. Their hospitality truly elevated our experience!

✅ Great for: • Sushi & sashimi lovers • Fans of Omakase-style dining in Melbourne • Celebrations, dates, or just treating yourself

I will definitely come back again. Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic Japanese cuisine with a twist!

📸 Don’t forget to sit at the bar to watch the chefs in action – it adds to the whole experience!

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Izakaya Hosaku in Melbourne CBD is a gem! The term "Izakaya" comes from Japan, where "i" means to stay, and "sakaya" means sake shop. Traditionally, izakayas were places where you could sit, relax, and enjoy drinks with friends, accompanied by delicious food. This cozy dining spot truly embodies that spirit.

We indulged in some incredible dishes: 🍣 Swordfish Umezu ($28) - Skin torched swordfish with plum vinaigrette, miso mustard, and nashi pear 🍤 Prawn Tempura ($28) - Battered fried red prawn with tempura sauce and pink salt 🐉 Dragon Roll ($24) - Fried prawns, lobster salad with spicy mayo, and teriyaki sauce 🍚 Truffle Fried Rice with Crispy Enoki ($32) - Truffle paste fried rice and 63°C egg, with fried enoki mushroom on top 🎏 Hosaku Sudoku Box ($88) - 9 different sashimi (salmon, tuna, swordfish, toro, scampi, scallop, snapper, smoked kingfish, and one seasonal white fish) paired with different toppings and sauces

And the drinks were just as spectacular: 🍹 Yuzu Ginger Sour ($24) - Whiskey Sour with a twist, yuzu added for a citrusy kick, balanced by ginger syrup 🍸 Shiso Mojito ($22) - A unique mojito with Japanese shiso herbs and a touch of sake 🍶 Sake Flights of 6 ($30) - Sake tasting set with 6 different types, from light to strong, dry to sweet

The sake flight was a warm delight, perfect for a chilly evening. All the dishes were amazing but the sashimi platter blew us away with its freshness and variety. Teddy and his team provided amazing service, making the experience even more memorable.

They also have feed me menus for $68 and $88 pp which we can’t wait to come back for. Perfect spot for a cozy night out with friends or a...

A Culinary Gem in Melbourne

My dining experience at Hosaku Izakaya was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm and inviting atmosphere, which beautifully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern twist. The ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

The menu at Hosaku Izakaya is a delightful journey through the flavors of Japan. Every dish is crafted with precision and care, showcasing the freshest ingredients and authentic techniques. The sushi and sashimi were melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and the variety of izakaya-style dishes offered a fantastic mix of textures and flavors. The grilled skewers, in particular, were a highlight, bursting with taste and perfectly cooked.

The service was impeccable, with staff who were knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring a memorable dining experience. Their recommendations were spot-on, enhancing our enjoyment of the meal.

What truly sets Hosaku Izakaya apart is the attention to detail and the dedication to providing an authentic yet innovative dining experience. It's clear that every aspect, from the décor to the menu, is thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious and delightful experience.

If you're in Melbourne and looking for an exceptional Japanese dining experience, Hosaku Izakaya is a must-visit. It's a place where culinary artistry meets warm hospitality, making every visit a...