Tamura Sake Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

One star taken away because there was no skewers, peanuts or any bar food to go with our 日本酒 tasting! Outrageous! Lol

First impression was great because of the blasting jazz music and the setting of the bar looked really nice.

We did the $25 sake (日本酒nihonshu to be more accurate) tasting. First one was Sawahime from Tochigi. It was like how they described it - smooth and simple. Instead of dry thou, I tasted a little bit of fruity flavour. I liked this one!

The second one was Akishika from Osaka. It was too bitter, dry and complicated for me. I think usual beer or black coffee lovers would like it.

The last but not the least was Biden from Fukuoka. Nothing to do with the US president elect, Joe Biden lol It's 美bi田den. My favourite out of the three. Couldn't get enough of Biden (pun intended lolll)

It was on the Yokoso Festival day we went. Very busy day for the bar. They ran out of macha chocolate pudding. It was a shame, but we'll be back some time...

Initially hadn’t planned to come here, so it was a nice little surprise to find this sake bar! Came for lunch on a Sunday with a friend. Was a bit unsure about seating as staff were out in the back somewhere when we entered, but they were very friendly and accomodating once they came to greet us.

We each got their Tamura lunch set — a Japanese fried chicken (JFC) one, plus an Agedashi tofu set. Was a decent portion size, and food was good. Also, I quite enjoyed having the soy sauce foam for the sashimi vs. having to dip it. Additionally, we had a Yuzu high ball cocktail and a green tea plum wine (if I remembered correctly) between us — very enjoyable.

Only downside is that the place is a bit small, so would advise against coming here if you have a large group.

Note: walk-ins are available but making reservations is...

Katsu Sando 1/4 $8 🥪 Signature Ramen $25 🍜 Negima Yakitori $13 🐓 Spicy Momo Yakitori $14 🌶️ Eggplant Yakitori $12 🍆 Octopus in Vinaigrette w/original wasabi oil $16 🐙 Agesashi Tofu $14 Japanese Fried Chicken $19 🍗 Wagyu Short Rib $19 🐄

Visited Tamura last year and I finally have time to do a review. Tamura is one of my fav sake bars in Melb. It’s cosy and intimate. Perfect for dinner or just a nibble and drinks. I really enjoyed their yakitoris! They were flavourful and beautifully charred. The ramen blew my mind! Absolutely in love with the broth and noodles were cooked to al dente. My other fav was the octopus! It was refreshing, tangy with a bit of a kick from the wasabi. The wagyu short rib was a bit overcooked. Overall lovely food and great selection of sake! It is a...