Izakaya Kuuraku

Established over 20 years ago with its first restaurant in Japan, Izakaya Kuuraku now have 18 restaurants in Japan, 5 in Canada, 6 in India and one for both Indonesia and Sri Lanka. They’ve finally made their way here with an outpost on Bourke street – its very first one in Australia.

Forget your pre-conceptions about “chain” restaurants. These guys are legit. The restaurant delivers true Japanese dishes that are both authentic and absolutely delicious.

Our top picks from the menu include the Aburi Shimesaba - Grilled vinegared mackerel torched at your table. It’s a stunning dish that highlights the salinity of the cured mackerel.

The Salmon oshizushi (pressed sushi) was yet another highlight. Fresh salmon, smoked

Salmon, Sushi rice and Mayonnaise were carefully and delicately pressed together. The contrast between the fresh and smoked salmon worked wonders.

Izakaya Kuuraku also happen to boasts some of the best yakitori that Melbourne has to offer. We absolutely loved their range of grilled skewers. Without exception, each skewer had been sufficiently seasoned and was wonderfully flavoursome and displayed a delectable outer charring courtesy of having benefited from the perfect time on the grill.

Whatever you do, do not go past the Teppan Gyoza Pork - Japanese pan-fried pork dumpling filled with a moreish amalgamation of Pork, Cabbage, Onion and ginger and seasoned to perfection.

If you’re feeling hungry then the decadent dish of Slow cooked wagyu beef stew with red wine, soy sauce, tonkatsu sauce, mirin, onion will certainly satisfy. We loved the melt-in-your-mouth tender beef.

To finish, the Yuzu Cheese Cake will conclude your visit on a sweet note. This New York style cheesecake is flavoured with yuzu (Japanese citrus) and served with a beautiful berry compote.

Location: 131-135 Bourke St. Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9939 1516

Link: https://kuuraku.com.au/