As soon as you walk in it’s clear that you’ve found a little piece of Japan right here in Melbourne. From the decor to the welcoming “Irasshaimase!” the moment you step through the door, its clear the intention is to make a little Izakaya spot in australia. With anime figures surrounding the kitchen/bar area, and the chef’s cooking your food behind a glass screen above the bar, you’d be forgiven for not realising this is actually a chain restaurant. Little touches like that prevent the place from feeling too mass produced like other chain restaurants and add a lovely little personal touch to the space.

While we were there we tried the Black Ramen, Tonkatsu and rice combo and a side of Takoyaki. The Takoyaki was hot and fresh, with ample helpings of the bonito shavings and sauce/kewpie. The octopus pieces found in the center were tender and flavourful - no chewy over cooked pieces here! The Tonkatsu was fantastically crunchy and golden - crisp on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Honestly ideal. My partner had the Black Ramen - I was told the noodles had their signature slight chewiness, and the broth was rich with a decent punch. A special point was made to mention that the Chashu in the ramen was fantastic - something so easily underwhelming when it comes to ramen, and frankly, quality such as this is unheard of in chain restaurants otherwise!

The food and drinks came out fast, while not at all making us feel rushed.

As fair as chain restaurants go, you’d be excused for not realising it was one. Fantastic for a quick authentic (and affordable!) meal, and one I would happily recommend to others.