Bincho Boss
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Located on Little Bourke Street, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Bincho Boss is the food capital’s newest Japanese izakaya restaurant.
This modern Japanese eatery features authentic izakaya-style dishes presented in a refined, contemporary way using fresh seasonal Australian produce. Many of Bincho Boss’ signature dishes are cooked on an earthen konro grill over a traditional binchō-tan which is a high-quality white charcoal used in Japanese cooking to produce unparalleled flavours and aromas.
We loved tasting our way through menu which celebrates the flavours, colours and textures of authentic Japanese cuisine, but with a modern twist. The menu has been curated by multi-award winning Executive Chef, Tomotaka Ishizuka (Koko, Ishizuka) and Head Chef, Keiji Ishida (Kisume).
To start, we loved the Salmon Sashimi which was staggeringly fresh and exquisitely textured.
The smoked duck breast that followed was again, utterly delicious - Cooked to a rarely found perfection and served with a rich and dark Japanese mustard sauce.
The Soy ginger-flavoured chicken karaage served with lemon and mayo and house made chilli sauce was similarly delicious. The meaty fried chicken morsels were each crusted with a flavoursome spice mix and then perfectly fried to achieve a moreish crunchy exterior. A must-order when visiting Bincho Boss.
The aptly named "Bincho Grilled" section of the menu is simply stunning. Think melt in your mouth charcoal-grilled wagyu 8+ beef in salt crust with soy wasabi; luscious Kamo Nasu Dengaku eggplant with smoked duck and saikyo miso; and plump Hokkaido scallops with garlic, soy and king brown mushrooms. You seriously can't go wrong here.
Dessert time showcased the kitchen's versatility. Tomo Ishizuka’s signature dessert – espresso-flavoured cream caramel with chestnut sauce was memorable for its creamy flawless texture. The Tempura ice-cream was yet another winner. Think crispy tempura exterior encasing rich vanilla Ice cream adorned with matcha and a mixed berry jam. Just yum!
On the drinks menu, diners will find a range of Japanese-inspired cocktails as well as a sake list offerring a multi-award winner alongside a light, fruity sparkling style and more rich, umami-driven ones. Japanese whiskies and gins round out the spirits, while the wine list highlights local winemakers from across the country as well as traditional umeshu.
Genuine food and exceptional service within slick surrounds is the name of the game here. And boy do Bincho Boss play it well.
Location: 383-385 Lt Bourke Street, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9670 7945
