Tsuru Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the exquisite omakase set menu at Tsuru Japanese, and it was nothing short of exceptional! Nestled in a stylish and romantic setting with cozy private booths, Tsuru offers an unforgettable dining experience.

🍴 The evening began with Zensai – a delightful selection of Yuzu oysters, Truffle Abalone, Kombu, Puffy fish, and Foie gras toast, setting the tone for what was to come.

🍲 Nimono featured a classic lobster bisque with a smooth, creamy texture and rich lobster taste, topped elegantly with a bay bug, perfect for a winter evening.

🍤 Agemono delighted with tempura fried prawns filled with corn and pumpkin, complemented by a miso sauce that balanced sweetness and umami flavors beautifully.

🍣 The Sashimi Omakase showcased five kinds of deluxe sashimi, including kingfish, salmon, tuna, and sea urchin – each piece fresh and meticulously prepared.

🥩 Yakimono presented M9 Wagyu with zucchini and mentaiko, a dish that melted in the mouth with its quality and accompanying flavors.

🦆 Shii-Zakana offered a unique preparation of duck breast with rice and plum sauce, served in two delicious ways that were both inventive and satisfying.

🍮 Finally, dessert was a Coffee Miso Caramel, a sublime ending to a culinary journey filled with surprises and delights.

The food at Tsuru Japanese not only tasted as beautiful as it looked but also showcased a perfect blend of traditional Japanese flavors with innovative twists. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in a memorable dining experience, especially for a special date night or celebration. The attentive service and cozy ambiance further enhance the overall experience. Truly a gem in Melbourne’s...

ORDERED: 🥚  Seafood chawanmushi: steamed egg custard ($20.00) 🐠  Small Sashimi Moriawase: 5 kinds ($33.00) 🐟 Misoyaki Cod: miso black cod, finger lime ($58.00) 🍚 Rice

REVIEW: I was very sad to hear the Tsuru lunch menu was only available during weekdays. They'd make a killing offering the teishouku boxes on weekends too!  😥

💖 The chawanmushi and sashimi were my favourite. The chawanmushi was darker in colour than I usually see it, but it's filled with an abundance of seafood. Served hot, the custard is silky and smooth while the seafood provides some salty-sweetness that makes it delicious. A sliver of broth sits above, added some umami moisture with every bite. 💓 Sashimi was fresh, and the 5 kinds I had were: scallop, squid, kingfish, salmon and tuna. Fresh sashimi that goes down really clean and a generous amount of wasabi made it a perfect experience. All the people I ate with loved the miso cod - but I'm not the biggest fan of cooked fish so found it on the better side of average. ❌ Disliked how the rice did not come with the miso cod main, which was already at a staggering price of $58.

👶  We had a child with us, and the staff were accommodating. Being very understanding like when the child was pushed the chopsticks on the ground, the staff brought us a fresh pair without any hassle. They were able to manage a group of 8, a testament to their professionalism. ❌ Would've liked if they were more attentive with the water level, or a least leave a water carafe on the table for us to self serve. 🙏 We felt no rush, and were happy we dined at Tsuru - although it is a little expensive. The all stars box also...

I rarely leave a negative review, but my experience at Tsuru was underwhelming considering its promise.

The menu is full of creative ambition, and the plating was visually stunning across the board. We began with the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, which looked beautiful but lacked the flavour punch we expected. The Lotus Chips were crisp and addictive, and the Salmon Sashimi was exceptionally fresh — clean, silky, and easily one of the highlights.

We also shared the M9 Wagyu Harmony Steak, which was unfortunately overcooked and riddled with fat that didn’t render properly — disappointing for a dish that should showcase premium beef. That said, the Foie Gras Wagyu Fried Rice, their signature dish, lived up to the hype. Rich, indulgent, and deeply flavourful — it was the standout of the night.

Drinks-wise, the Wasabi Martini was inventive and well-balanced. I would have happily ordered another, but the opportunity never came. Service was inconsistent throughout the evening. Water was never refilled, and after our first round of drinks, we were left unattended. Several nearby tables also struggled to catch the attention of staff, which left the whole service experience feeling inattentive and disjointed.

As for the venue, it leans more toward upscale cafeteria than refined dining. The ambience didn’t quite match the premium pricing or the culinary ambition outlined in their 'About' blurb.

Tsuru has promise, especially with dishes like the fried rice and the sushi, but it needs more attention to detail — both in the kitchen and on the floor — to truly live up to its contemporary...