Sakana Japanese Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

It seems like the owner listens to reviews that have been left here, as the service size was extremely generous and the price ($14) was extremely cheap.

The curry katsu don we both ate (tofu and pork) was delicious, but having such cheap prices ($37 for two people in total inclusive of drinks) made us feel guilty when you can tell the owner is running it herself. The low margins make the atmosphere less enjoyable, which is a shame as the food was great. I’d happily have paid double if it meant the local owner can invest in someone to bring a little bit of life back to the store and pay someone to take orders - I feel the lack of re-investment back into the store deters people due to how high-risk the food hygiene of Japanese food is. Truthfully, we both quite enjoyed our meals and we’d go back: but we’d especially go back if it meant the owner could make a bit more money, as it really did affect the atmosphere.

It’s a classic case you see with small owner-operators. If I could give any tips, I’d say make the menu one third as big as it currently is to ensure lower overheads; then you can provide food a small bit quicker; then you can use the savings to pay someone else to run the shop; then you can increase the prices by a few dollars more to ensure your margins are better; then invest in the store.

As the owner seems to listen to reviews, based on the previous reviews definitely no longer being relevant, I wanted to add my two cents as I’d love to see these beautiful...

Below-average japanese food, lacking in flavours. I had been looking forward to visit Sakana after hearing so many positive reviews. I found the experience quite disappointing. The staff are ready to provide assistance which is warming, and makes up for the run-down, unkept interior. The sushi rice is average quality in flavour and served relatively cold, which means it may have been prepared hours earlier. I found the Chicken Teriyaki dish to be lacking in flavour and seasoning. The chicken was laid on top and came out cold and dry, while the teriyaki sauce was sitting at the bottom of the bowl buried under the rice. Unfortunately the dish tasted like overcooked chicken that had not been reheated properly, and did not taste...

At first while entering we noticed that the place was mostly for take aways as it dint have much of a proper seating.Also being winters they dint even had the heating on but still we managed being our first time. We ordered the Bento box B and C along with the teriyaki chicken rolls. The rolls were really good. coming to Bento box, they had a lot of variety and is a good enough meal for a person, Both of them were decent and taste was good. The prices are very reasonable. So for the next time I can think of take away bit...