Umiyaki (Malvern) — Restaurant in Melbourne

Part 1:

I recently dined at "Umiyaki," a restaurant that claims to offer a Japanese culinary experience, though its authenticity left me skeptical. The overall impression of the food was underwhelming, with some dishes falling far below average expectations. The miso soup lacked depth, the seaweed in it had an overly soft, waterlogged consistency that suggested it had been sitting for a while. The seaweed salad was disappointingly reminiscent of mold, leaving an unpleasant taste. Amidst these disappointments, the saving grace was the soft shell crab sushi roll, which managed to deliver a satisfying flavor. Another bright spot was the surprisingly tasty, yet small serve, of (squid?) karaage, which brought an unexpected burst of flavor to the table.

Moving on, the Angus Beef Toban Yaki showcased quality beef and mushrooms, indicating potential for excellence, but the lackluster sauce failed to elevate the dish. As for dessert, the green tea ice cream proved to be another letdown, with a creaminess that overwhelmed the delicate green tea flavor.

On the service front, I must acknowledge that the staff at "Umiyaki" did not leave much to complain about. Our server was pleasant, even if they appeared a bit unsure at times, reflecting a touch of confusion in their demeanor.

Considering the overall dining experience, "Umiyaki" falls short of becoming a top recommendation. While the Tori karaage and soft shell crab sushi roll provide reasons for a return visit, the lack of consistency across the menu, combined with the questionable authenticity of the cuisine, raises doubts about whether I would choose to dine there again.

Part 2:

On our second visit to "Umiyaki," I had some additional observations that I'd like to share. The experience started with a bit of confusion when it came to seating, as it seemed there was some uncertainty about which two-person table to assign us, despite most of them being unoccupied.

Now, onto the food. The prawn tacos, while acceptable, didn't leave a lasting impression. They seemed slightly undercooked, making me question if they were intended to be served that way or if they leaned towards sashimi style. On a pleasant note, the Agedashi tofu was surprisingly enjoyable, defying my expectations. The chicken karaage, accompanied by a (hoisin?) and mayo-infused sauce, was quite tasty, but it did raise questions about its authenticity in terms of Japanese cuisine.

The spring rolls, in contrast, were rather unremarkable, offering little excitement or unique flavor. However, the California futomaki stood out as a fresh and tasty choice.

Overall, my impression of the food on this second visit to "Umiyaki" is that it falls into the category of not being specifically bad, but it also lacks the exceptional qualities that one might expect from a memorable dining experience. It leaves me with mixed feelings about returning...

Nestled discreetly in Malvern in one of the main streets, Umiyaki Japanese Restaurant stands out as a place where traditional Japanese cuisine seamlessly intertwines with modern influences.

Their menu is visible outside and you can clearly see this is a place that is definitely promising with their extensive and creative menu and from the moment you walk through the door, their commitment to bringing Japan's culinary heritage to life in innovative ways becomes even more apparent.

Opting for their set menu, priced at $49 per person for eight courses is a great value for money and also quality. Our gastronomic journey kicked off with a comforting Miso Soup, setting the tone for what was to come. The Mushroom Salad followed which we absolutely loved the flavours and blend of textures. Each slice of the Sashimi was also showcasing the chef's dedication to sourcing the freshest ingredients, while the Sweet Potato Croquettes offered a delightful crunch with every bite - seriously a favourite!

The Seafood Ceviche presented a harmonious blend of flavours, while the Angus Beef Toban Yaki was a hit with its aroma and succulence. The Salmon Uramakiwas my personal favourite!

Wrapping up our culinary expedition was the Matcha and Vanilla Ice Cream, a serene conclusion to an unforgettable dining experience.

Umiyaki Japanese Restaurant's dedication to offering fresh, affordable Japanese cuisine shines through in every dish. With its recent renovation, it now provides a spacious and inviting ambiance for those seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience in Malvern and Moonee Ponds.

… [Follow my adventures on instagram...

This is one of my favorite spots for Sukiyaki during the winter.

There’s a Special Deal Until July 31. Spend $100 and get two servings of Wagyu for free.

Here are the details:

Outside Flat MB8-9 Sukiyaki - $18.8 The outside flat has evenly distributed fat, giving it a tender texture. Paired with the unique Sukiyaki broth and a pasteurized egg, it’s incredibly smooth and delicious.

Bolar Blade MB8-9 Sukiyaki - $18.8 The bolar blade is firmer than the outside flat, but the Sukiyaki cooking keeps it tender.

For Meat Lovers: Miyazaki A5 Sirloin - $39.8 The Miyazaki A5 is absolutely the best, with beautiful marbling that melts in your mouth.

MB8-9 Sirloin - $28.8 Juicy and tender with a delicate flavor.

Other Dishes We Tried: Taco Platter (6 pieces) Their tacos are adorable and getting the platter is more cost-effective than ordering individually. We chose three flavors: scallop, Wagyu, and lobster.

Large Moriawase (Sashimi Platter) Sashimi pairs perfectly with Sukiyaki.

🩷Drink Recommendation: If you enjoy a little drink, try the shiroi lychee wine. It's...