Murasaki Tanuki Japanese Takeaway & Dine In — Restaurant in Melbourne

March 2025 Reviewing after 2 years becos management changed. Bit disappointed.

Walked in and girl at pay counter totally ignored us, not even eye contact. Bad vibes Immediately. Then finally she looks up and I indicated 2 with my fingers an FC she waved general direction - still remaining behind counter. She was counting money paid by customer but her face was comical. It was like she did not know how to count cash. She looked puzzled/perplexed

Anyway we sat down and found out it is one of those freaking order by QR code at table. My old man took off to look for paper menu. I selected my dishes, added his and ordered for us.

Wow! I think it took half an hour for the food. My stomach was growling and protesting. Beef tatami was not bad tho slightly on the thick side. I like raw beef so I enjoyed it. Had Unagi bento and Unagi itself was ok. There was some sushi on side plate - these too were too thickly cut and no sauce to dip in. Only wasabi on side.

Edamame was generous portion, though not fresh but edible. Eel was delicious becos they got the sauce right. Rice was not cooked the Japanese way but was bearable. Corn was ok. I was disappointed at the change of hands and will not return. Getting harder to find authentic Japanese restaurants in Melbourne now as most management are getting old and sell off their business to retire. 😔

Delicious Agedashi tofu, chashu ramen and gyoza. Had a bite (and more) of my hubby’s Una don. Glad to find an authentic Japanese restaurant with Japanese chef and staff. They were friendly and helpful, food came out at reasonable time despite the full tables inside and outside.

Happy with my choices. Will come again to try...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Murasaki Tanuki, and I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The moment you step in, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

The menu offers an impressive array of authentic Japanese dishes, each prepared with the freshest ingredients and a remarkable attention to detail. We started with the sashimi platter, which was a delightful assortment of melt-in-your-mouth fish that was as visually stunning as it was delicious. The presentation was impeccable, showcasing the chef's artistry and dedication to their craft.

For the main course, we tried the wagyu beef, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The texture was incredibly tender, and it paired wonderfully with the accompanying sides. The sushi rolls were also a highlight, with each bite offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The service was outstanding, with the staff demonstrating a deep knowledge of the menu and providing excellent recommendations. They were attentive without being intrusive, ensuring our glasses were always full and that we had everything we needed.

To finish, we indulged in a green tea matcha dessert that was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. Every aspect of our experience at Murasaki Tanuki was top-notch, and I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. Whether you're a fan of Japanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, this place is a...

I’ve been a regular at this restaurant for years, always appreciated its unique taste. Recently, I noticed some changes that caught my attention. The restaurant has changed hands, and with the new ownership, there have been noticeable shifts.

One of the things I observed was the storage of the raw fish. The tuna and salmon were displayed in a glass cupboard, not refrigerated despite the temperature being above 35 degrees. This change seemed to affect the taste of the sashimi, which was slightly different from before.

The previous owner had a strict adherence to Japanese work ethics and ensured a high-quality Japanese experience for the customers. This commitment was reflected in every aspect of the restaurant. Additonally, It's a bit surprising to hear Cantonese songs playing in a Japanese restaurant, although it wasn’t such a big issue for me as I understand Cantonese.

There are many Japanese sushi restaurants in my area, but this one has always stood out because of its distinct taste. The sashimi sushi was like a dance on my tongue, amazing. However, the recent changes have slightly altered this experience.

I hope the new owner will consider bringing back the traditional Japanese taste that made this restaurant special, and I look forward to my next visit and the delightful surprises...