Koko — Restaurant in Melbourne

I’ve had been wanting to wait for a special occasion to visit KOKO. So, took my partner for his birthday as we usually enjoy Teppanyaki on the few occasions we have had it prior. But, I could never have anticipated what I was about to endure.

We were shown to our seats. Our “chef” was Kevin. While he attempted to have discussions with us, it was full of inappropriate comments and personal questions. Do you only have one child? If I had another one, wouldn’t they be there? He proceeded to ask me if I spoke Chinese, which I don’t (so he could speak to me in Chinese like he was doing to the other diners) Where do you live? (Does it matter where we live?)

He kept on name dropping people that he “knows” (or people that that dine there and happens to be well-known).

The absolute worst thing that happened and the reason for me writing this, is that he refused to give me food (or as he put it, girls don’t need carbohydrates) at a restaurant. We had the kipler potatoes which he gave me 4 small pieces and gave the rest to my partner and son at least double the quantity. Then we ordered 4 steaks as 3 apparently wouldn’t be enough for 3 people (I think 1 per person is appropriate). But rather than serving the two adults more or evenly amongst us. He again gave me one and divided the other 3 for the two MALES. Then, you would think maybe this is getting a little awkward, or you may be getting a clue, the last dish was the fried rice. He actually asked me how much I wanted. I said, the same as everybody. He probably didn’t hear me. He first gave me a tablespoon size, and condescendingly, said more? Very embarrassing. I just looked at him in disbelief and felt bad for my partner that he was feeling uncomfortable. He gave maybe another tablespoon while, the other (males) had a mounded full bowl. I honestly couldn’t and didn’t want to eat it. I just paid and left.

This sexist, chauvinistic and racist treatment was one thing, but we were in a restaurant for a very expensive meal, that I was paying for. You DO NOT treat anybody that way let alone in a restaurant. I could see across the table a lady was feeling quite uncomfortable and couldn’t eat her rice either. Maybe, she got the same treatment?

On to the food itself. The only good thing was the crab spring rolls, which came from the kitchen. For the teppanyaki, we ordered seasonal veg. Literally, half a tiny radish, a thin slice of pumpkin and a half a pepper the size of a chilli. The steak was basically boiled/steamed in the soya sauce. Even something simple as fried rice was not edible. Who puts fresh mushrooms in fried rice? (Which, no we didn’t mention as a dietary preference because I would normally just eat theirs). It was soggy and had so much soya sauce. Plus, I had well and truly lost my appetite.

The whole experience just awful. No entertainment, just judgment. By the way, I’m an average person. But, what if I was overweight. So, inappropriate no matter what size.

I left feeling completely awful in disbelief more than anything. Completely disappointed that my partners day was ruined.

Utterly disgusting and disgraceful behaviour and complete lack of awareness. There is nothing Japanese about “Kevin” (he is from Shanghai). Anyone, could cook the food the way he did. I don’t care how long he has been there. Absolutely disgusting way to treat someone (I know I have repeated myself). I could not let this go as this was what I...

Whilst charming and indeed boasting quintessential Japanese delicacies, I couldn't help walking away feeling a little underwhelmed.

Koko's ambiance is intimate and the staff go above and beyond making one feel like royalty.  That's really where this humble foodie must leave it at.

I took my partner for date night and we usually budget for $350 + if we're going somewhere up market. We ordered the "Suise" which, one could compare to a chef's degustation. It was 6 courses with a little of everything and cost $120pp - drinks not included.

We ordered an additional entre as I love beef tataki - very generous portions.

Regretfully the Wagyu was inedible. I'm going to boldly suggest it was not the premium cut we were promised but a very cheap cut of meat - chuck steak -.  I'm not one for sending food back so we left ours on the plate.  The sashimi wasn't marvellous and remaining seafood components very small. The meals only redemptive feature was the dessert platter which incidentally wasn't Japanese.

The staff were attentive and did enquire as to why we left our meat to which I politely informed them that I found it an unpalatable cut of beef. The manager came and enquired without prompting but sadly we were not offered an alternative.

The meal for two came to $347 + tip which is to be expected for an upmarket venue. We eat out a lot and don't mind paying for a good experience.

Ambiance -           7/10 Staff -                   11/10 Food -                   6/10 Value for Money - 4/10

If your looking for a good evening out and prepared to pay though, I do advise elsewhere.  Koko's is expensive but the food quality can't really back it up.  To the management, your staff are incredible but I'm sorry, the food was not up to par.

Not really value for money here guys.......

A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant located in Crown Tower; there is a menu for regular dining at the table and a different menu for teppanyaki where you are seated in front of one of the grill stations. There are two set menus for teppanyaki and also an ala carte section if you prefer to build your own course. Decided to go with the higher price set menu consisting of seven course.

Started off with some appetisers; fish nanban was alright but the eggplant with mince beef was very tender and juicy. Sushi and sashimi was fresh and tasty, especially the nigiri which might have been a flounder fin. The dobin mushi had a clean seafood taste, chicken in the broth was quite dry. Prawn toast seemed out of place and the portion size was very small with mostly bread. The grilled scampi, squid and scallops were fresh and not overcooked; the seaweed butter gave a savory umami taste which was delicious. The fish was soft but flavour wise it was pretty standard. The main course of the meal was the Mayura wagyu “Gold series” striploin steak which was tender, cooked medium rare. Flavour was however overpowered with the sweet onion sauce poured over the steak. Fried rice, salad and miso soup was good. For dessert, upon request, they were happy to swap the houjicha crème brûlée to a matcha lava cake which took a bit more time to prepare. Lava cake was sweet with a rich matcha creamy centre.

Overall the service was great but the food was a hit and miss; portion size was small for the price you pay. Highlight of the meal was the sushi/sashimi and the grilled seafood plate with the...