Kiwami Teppanyaki — Restaurant in Melbourne

Well where do I begin? Unfortunately I do not think the reviews suit what we were served. This is a western Teppanyaki, flaring and showmanship. Not an authentic Teppanyaki. The food quality is so bad. They over cooked the food to the point I had to say I was full so that I didn’t have to eat it because it was so dry..

This is not a good for establishment for food. This is very much a venue built for entertainment.

We selected the set menu for $125 per person. We also had drinks which brought it up from $250 up to $291. This includes:

Nami Set i $125/set Minimum order 2 sets Appetizer: Edamame & Miso soup

Entrée Platter: Option 1: Sashimi Assorted + Fresh Oyster + Wagyu Taco

Main: Lobster Tail + Cod Fish + Scallop Meat + Duck Breast+ M7 Wagyu + Assorted Vegetable + Teppan Fried Rice

This venue should not have a menu for this price and neither should offer it. Why? Because the chefs do not take care enough to ensure the food is cooked properly.

They over cooked the Wagyu, to the point I said I was full so I wouldn’t have to eat it. It was that dry when I bit into, it even though we asked for medium rare. Ask for rare next time it will probably be well done again.

A duck breast was included in the course and this too was over cooked and dry. Served with apple sauce.

The chef served lobster on the same plate that duck and apple sauce had been on because the waitresses weren’t paying attention enough to change the plates for a new type of meat.

The fried rice was over seasoned and extremely salty. I got it take away with plans to add rice tomorrow and hopefully that will make it less salty. Considering we ended up paying $300 for over cooked food, I needed to make sure I didn’t waste the rice by letting them throw it out. I’d rather take it home and attempt to salvage it myself.

The seafood scallops were ok.

The staff had no idea what they were doing. The serve of edamame was so small that I asked for another serve and they said they’d have to charge me extra after already charging me $300 for over cooked food. I said don’t worry about. They served us miso soup but then served us a 2nd helping.. you could serve us a second bowl of miso but not a second serve of cold edamame?

The staff didn’t bother changing our plates between different types of food. So the sauce from the duck was mixed in with the lobster that was served.. cross contamination? An apple sauce for duck mixed in with lobster, burnt onion and cream sauce… between different meats, please ensure your staff are changing plates. they may wish to do so with smaller serving dishes.

I had to ask staff for a new plate because I didn’t want to have cross contamination and I didn’t want one dishes flavours going into the next. This was extremely disappointing after paying fine dining prices. I would have to say that if an establishment is going to have a multi course as such then make sure your staff are trained on how to serve it.

We had about 3 different waitresses through out the evening and obviously they weren’t communicating with each other.

All in all I would say this was a bit of a rip off. Such a disappointment when it came to food. What was the point of asking us how we like the steak cooked if it was only going to be over cooked? I doubt it is wagyu. There is a legal battle currently underway for venues using the word wagyu, I don’t think this was real wagyu as there was no certification on display.

You’ll only enjoy this venue if you like having random pieces of egg thrown in your mouth and catching bowls across a hot grill. The western version of Teppanyaki. And you’ll only enjoy this if you pick the cheapest options on the menu because watching someone destroy a steak by over cooking it is not my kind of enjoyment. make sure you pick the cheap things so you don’t regret wasting money.

Not worth it, horrible experience. Waitress asked me if I wanted to tip, I said no because it was all over cooked. Not enjoyable. Didn’t even offer a refund when I mentioned this....

I had to edit the original 5 star review since both my boyfriend and I got sick that night and I had to take a day off work. I did notice the tuna sashimi wasn't fresh as it had a dark brown colour not deep red as it should. I didn't think I would cause me that sick. Also we got the most expensive teppanyaki menu that included lobster, however, our lobster was given to the other guests that were on the same table as us and we got their lamb instead. Out of politeness I did not say anything at the time and am now still regretting that decision. Apparently, after reading some negative comments on here, that wasn't the first time they had done that. Whether it was an honest mistake, you would expect their chefs should know the menu better than anyone else and not given food to the wrong guests. The meat dishes were good but weren't amazing. The seafood was obviously not fresh. The chef did try their best to give great shows and make people especially kids happy but it's all the same as any other teppanyaki show that you get everywhere.

And please don't fall for the spinning wheel for prizes bait in return for 5 star review. The chance of getting the discount off your meals of course is very slim and the winning prizes are either cheap or not worth using. We threw ours in the bin! I find it is very cheeky because most people fell for it like we did and left dishonest 5 star reviews even though they might not entirely happy with their meals. They have received so many of these 5 stars that their 1 stars reviews don't even show up. If you take better look, you will see these negative comments and they aren't good.

Overall, it wasn't worth the price that we paid and even worse that we got sick from it. We will not come back and do not recommend this Kiwami...

Edited: This is the answer to the unprofessional response from the owner!

First, let me break it down so you would have a better view. Our group ordered the $125 Nami sets, which the waiter told us, is the premium set. Plus, 2 entrees, 2 teppan mains and at least 3 drinks for each person, was that enough for $180 per person? Or do you still think we made up our bill?

Secondly, we all love Japanese food that's why we wanted to give you a chance. As I was born in Japan and lived there, as far as I tried the food, especially the sashimi, I know they were NOT THE NEW CUTS, NEITHER FRESH! Maybe you really don't know it or just think all your diners are donkeys?

Thirdly, I never complain about the price, as long as it's worth our money. That's why we didn't hesitate but chose the most expensive one even when we have a discount or not because it's not the reason we came to your place. But disappointedly, instead of taking the feedback and improving, the way you replied was just more than defensive! And just wanna let you know, THIS IS NOT THE JAPANESE SUMIMASEN HUMBLE SPIRIT WHEN THEY MADE A MISTAKE!

So for all of this, pre and post-service, it's inevitable that I have to change my rating from 3 stars to 1 star for your unwelcome and far-below hospitality standards!

With the price in which we paid nearly $180 per person compared to the quality of the food. It's not worth it. The sashimi was bland, the seafood was not fresh and the meat quality was just average. I doubt that I would come back here soon cause there are still many Japanese restaurants that do...