Yokocho

Yokocho brings a modern and eclectic experience of Japanese cuisine to Melbourne's CBD. Located in the historic Mid City Arcade on Bourke Street, the vibrant street culture of Tokyo is reimagined through Yokocho’s minimalistic fit out and lively ambience. Literally translating to “alley-way”, this contemporary hotspot mimics the laneways made famous by salary men in Tokyo who frequent small, ‘hole-in-the-wall’ type establishments. 
 
Co-owners Benny Lui, Khoa Le and 24 hour ramen diner Shujinko's Kevin Pak want Yokocho to be a place to escape and break away from the hustle and bustle of the city, while simultaneously certifying it as the newest destination for devotees of modern Japanese food and drink. 
 
Yokocho showcases three main styles of Japanese cuisine: sushi and sashimi, yakitori and tempura. To complement the three categories will be a curated list of sake, spirits, wine, beer and cocktails. Express bento and a variety of share plates will also feature on the menu. 
 
We loved tasting our way through the menu. Of particular note was the sushi selection which exhibited high quality produce. 

The tempura at Yokocho is another highlight - we loved that the batter was ethereally light and crispy. The ingredients inside the batter were fresh and pleasing.

A Yokocho  must-have, the miso cod was stunning. The cod was beautifully fresh, vividly white and had been cooked to perfection. We were blown away by the silky texture and the golden-brown charred bits of caramelised miso on the fish. It was a stunning dish.
 
Nestled in the walkway of Mid City Arcade, Yokocho opens tomorrow and will pay homage to memory and tradition while still exploring the exciting future of Japanese dining. 
 
Location: 101, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Link: www.yokocho.com.au