Review Orita's 2 - Balnarring

Beautiful atmosphere with delicious dishes and high attention to every detail. Deceptively simple, yet complex flavours from wonderfully fresh and high quality ingredients, perfectly and carefully combined for the most delicious Japanese food I’ve ever eaten. Master and Carla are so warm and welcoming, it is worth travelling from Sydney to enjoy their kind service and gorgeous food.

Amazing home made japanese food. Still can’t get over the fact that these gyoza are homemade, they taste too good to be real! Will definitely come back 🧡🧡

I wouldn't trust an Omakase menu in just any restaurant. But I'd heard great things about the Master Chef at Orita's2. The food was super fresh, delicate flavours and each dish was presented with a story of its making. I now know what fresh, never been frozen salmon tastes like, and there's no going back. The miso soup was made from scratch, not a sachet added to water with cubes of soy added. I expected the obligatory green tea ice-cream that is the standard in Japanese restaurants... but I was presented with the most exquisite kumquat yoghurt, made with Chefs own grown fruit. With the Omakase changing depending on what's in season, I expect our next visit will be different meals made with the same love.

Food is delish and more importantly, fresh. With less help, it's omakase and it's a very good omakase. "Cara" and Chef Orita-san took time to talk to all diners too. They were mindful of my dietary needs and took the effort to made sure to serve what I needed. Attached photos don't do justice and only starters. Other dishes enjoyed and no time for photos. I'll be back.

Incredible homemade Japanese cuisine. After reading reviews I had full trust in the master chef's set menu and wasn't disappointed. The meal was a degustation of simple yet complex flavours and high quality ingredients. My partner said the fish was "the best he's ever had". The atmosphere was peaceful and the service was fantastic. I loved the information about each dish and the fact that the dessert had Yuzu grown in the chef's garden was a great surprise (and delicious). If we're ever down this way again, we'll definitely stop by. 10/10!

Our dinner at Orita's 2 was a highlight of our holiday at Somers. As soon as you walk in the door and are greeted by the wonderful server you know that you are going to be in for an authentic experience. We had the Master's set menu and each course was spectacular. It was nice not to have to decide what to order and instead be guided through the courses. We would highly recommend dining here and hope to return again.

have been a few times and every time has been absolutely exceptional. last visit we had the set menu full of surprises with mind blowing quality. some ingredients straight from the chefs own garden. hidden gem.

Best Japanese food experience I've had. Every dish was beautifully thought out and explained in detail. Master and Carla are so passionate about the produce, food and service. Can't wait to go back.

I have been a huge fan of Orita-san's amazing cusine since he opened his restaurant, Orita's in Toorak nearly 20 years ago. Even when I relocated to Canberra to work for over 10 years, I always come back several times to feast in his beautifully decorated restaurant. I love it even more when he moves to Balnarring to open Orita's 2. His food is cooked with undying passion and it is always fresh and elegantly flavoured so you can still taste the natural ingredients. I have eaten in Tetsuya and at The Iron Chef Dinner and in Japan but Orita-san's food is still my favourite. It is simply because he is always inventing and creating new dishes. A case in point, one day while entertaining several guests while finishing an wonderful long lunch at Orita's 2, I noticed he was preparing food for his staff. The aroma was heavenly and yet familiar and Orita-San kindly let me sampled the amazing garlic intestines. Wow, what an incredible home cooked food and I have eaten this particular home-cooked meal over 5 times and most recently yesterday as I insisted on having it with my guests. Orita-san and his staff, especially Carla are very friendly and professional in their relations with the clients. They always spend time explaining their dishes and service is exemplary. A big group of ours and now the children and overseas visitors, totalling over 40 have enjoyed and we are sure will continue to enjoy for many years to come. Some of us travelled over 65km to 100km one way to enjoy his creatìve, delicious and occasionally rare hand-picked seasonally ingredients like wild mushroom and golden oyster mushroom. Yum. At the right place at the right time. We love the ambience, the friendly and professional service, all fully trained Japanese staff and a wonderful Master Chef. To Orita-San and team, best wishes always. Steven and friends of Orita's 2.

Could not recommend this beautiful little restaurant enough. By far the best, authentic Japanese food I have ever tasted. Blown away by the service and the staff. We left this place with full tummy’s and even fuller hearts �

A truely excellent and authentic peice of japanese cuisine on the peninsula. Crispy tempura batter, generously cut sashimi, fluffy sushi rice and seasonal changes when certain produce ends its season - we were lucky to have the scorched salmon belly sushi and if they have it for a special when you go then don't hesitate. You're welcome in advance. The sauces are simple yet refined in their flavour profiles which is incredibly refreshing. A good stepping stone for those unfamiliar with japanese food and it produces a soothing sigh for those who know its delicacy. Cannot recommend highly enough! An absolute must dine! Don't forget to book!

Best restaurant in Balnarring, just ask Leo. The steak OMG, the Sashimi OMG, the accompanying sauces OMG! It does not matter what you order from the menu it is executed perfectly. These chefs know their business. As for the whole dining experience 15/10. If you are in the area over Christmas, this restaurant must be on your list for places to dine.

By far the best Food I've had in my mouth! Best presentation, best service, nicest wait staff...phenomenal! Go there, but make a booking, it's only a tiny restaurant.

I’m not sure I should be writing this review because I’m concerned I may encourage too many of you to dine there . Oritas2 is a genuinely unique dining experience . Hikaru Orita is a master of Japanese cuisine. I can not recommend it enough . Please , you be the judge . You will not be disappointed.

Turned up after 2pm and the staff were great, had the sirloin steak and it was cooked to perfection, it had no sinew or chunky fat and the Terryaki sauce was the best. Always have a good meal here, and so friendly. tempora prawns were very good and my partner had chicken and devoured the lot.

Had a lovely dinner here, with staff and management being very friendly and helpful. We were greeted like friends and the service was efficient and personal. Food was delicious and very well presented. The desserts were amazing too and were very creative. Having eaten at many Japanese restaurants all over Australia this one is certainly up there with the best of them. I will definitely be back to try more on the menu.

We went to oritas in balnarring yesterday 19.02.17 first Japanese experience the staff couldn't have been more friendly or helpful the food was more than we could hope for definitely recommend and will be going back. Do your selfs a favour and check this hidden gem out you want be disappointed. Cheers Rohan

Beautiful meal and wonderful service! Would highly recommend visiting here. Very affordable for a 5 star meal. Thankyou!

Simply outstanding Japanese cuisine. Only the finest ingredients especially the tuna, to die for.

The freshest most delicious japanese food I've had the pleasure of eating in years.. exactly what japanese food should be.. could not fault it if i tried..great service to top it off.. well done guys we are now your regular customers for life �

Wonderful food prepared by the Master and lovely staff to serve it. Our special go to restaurant. See you again soon!

Lovely dinner, friendly service & absolutely divine dessert! Definitely recommend this restaurant. We'll be back.

After a long day at work, I needed something different so popped in for a meal. Found it was pretty good but I'm spoilt for choice living in Melbourne. This cute little place nestled into the Balnarring complex is well worth a visit. Having once been a hit in Toorak, their move to the Peninsula has been successful.<br/>The menu is quite good with all the usual Japanese favourites. I found the gyoza tasty and although a little on the expensive side, was well worth it. The sashimi was excellent and stunningly presented with a good portion size.<br/>Although I wasn't very busy when I was there, I can see from other reviews that it is popular and the locals are enjoying this addition to their culinary choices. The tables are snugly close together and the ambience is warm and inviting.<br/>Staff were friendly, taking my order quickly and food came in a reasonable time. <br/>I'm heading to Japan shortly so I'm looking forward to the comparison between what we have here and over there. I'm sure it'll hold its own.<br/>Notes: wheelchair accessible, disabled friendly, kid friendly, reasonable parking out the front in the Balnarring complex.

We travelled from the next town to experience Oritas2. The food was good but for the price, I felt it should have been amazing. Pork gyoza, 6 for $20, comparable to our local choice at half the price. The salmon shashimi was fresh and well presented. We ordered teriyaki chicken & the snapper fillet for mains - nice but not $32 nice.... 🤷🏽‍♀️<br/>On the positive, the staff were attentive and friendly.

Not too bad, Just expensive food 😂 we ordered fish and it just come in 4 pieces of small fish. And the gyoza taste like the frozen gyoza that you can buy in woolies.

Wonderful food, fast and friendly staff, loved it. Will be back sometimes. I had the Scallops and Fried Rice, absolutely delicious. I will pay more for good quality food, such a pleasing day, with my friends to go. Will take some more friends & family when they come over from NZ. Thanks so much. CHEERS !!!

Just love this place, beautiful authentic Japanese food and such lovely service, we love bringing our young family here and always feel so welcome.

First time at Oritas2 tonight. Great quality of ingredients, Master Chef and great service. Will definitely be revisiting. Highly recommend. <br/>

We decided to drive down on a whim this Good Friday arvo and wanted an early dinner before the drive back to Melbourne. Was surprised but glad to see the ‘open’ sign and went in to ask if they were actually open (It was 5 pm). Turns out they weren’t. But the lady who was there very obligingly seated us even though they were not open yet and still prepping. Had the best Udon noodles ever. I could tell that the stock was properly made from scratch (none of that made up concentrate stuff) so it was no surprise when that same lady confirmed to me that it was proper in house made master stock. I have not enjoyed such a good bowl of Udon Noodles back here since our holiday to Japan last Sept!!! Well done Oritas we will definitely be back :)

Oritas2 was a fabulous place to eat. Fresh healthy and delicious. Friendly attentive staff if your in the area and fancy Japanese food don’t go past this restaurant

Orita's 2 is a charming spot in Balnarring which doesn't bite off more than it can chew. The menu is big enough to be diverse and interesting but small enough for them to do everything well. The super friendly staff and warm atmosphere make for a wonderful visit. My only criticism is the lack of vegetarian options.

Tucked away in Balnarring centre, the staff greeted us with friendly smiles and a great, bubbly attitude. The food was amazing and the ambiance superb for a great evening.<br/><br/>The restaurant was quiet even with the large number of people who turned up. It’s clearly very popular with locals and with good reason.<br/><br/>The service was excellent from the time we were greeted at the door and through the entire meal.<br/><br/>The food arrived quickly, was beautifully presented and was extremely tasty. I can definitely recommend the chicken or tuna.<br/><br/>Overall the entire experience was excellent, the service amazing and the price very reasonable.

When Orita's moved from Toorak to Mornington, I was devastated. But knowing they still existed was a wonderful thought. Orita san seems more refreshed out at Mornington, and that's reflected in his food. The local ingredients he sources and uses are amazing and the flavours really come out.<br/><br/>As usual, his signature steak and garlic fried rice dishes were perfect in every way. His new okonomiyaki dish, with an Orita twist was simply amazing.<br/><br/>Now, I usually don't enjoy yoghurt, but I didn't leave a single bit of his yoghurt dessert left on the dish. It was so fresh and perfect for a warm day.<br/><br/>I'll definitely be back once my schedule clears up!

I have eaten at Orita's since they were at Toorak.  I drive all the way to Balnarring just to eat here.  The service is always impeccable, the decor is modern but welcoming.  The food is authentically Japanese, cooked with the freshest ingredients.  I've had the sushi, the steak, the grilled fish, tempura amongst many other dishes and have always been satisfied. <br/><br/>The price is admittedly higher than surrounding restaurants but is well worth paying.

Great little restaurant, good menu selection to cater for most people's taste even if you're not fully into Japanese cuisine. Nice decoration and comfortable, not a big place which I thinks a good thing, staff willing to please and attentive. Only negative BYO wine only and at $12 dollar corkage is a fairly steep.

First time here and loved the food! Gyoza were the best I've ever had. Beef teriyaki was a bit sweet but meat was cooked to perfection. <br/>Staff were lovely and came by frequently for drink orders. <br/>The one thing I'd say was it's a very small venue and felt a bit cramped at the table but wouldn't put me off coming back

A real treat having a good quality Japanese restaurant in Balnarring. Make sure you reserve which tells you the place is good. Fresh sushi/sashimi. All very fresh and good quality ingredients. Excellent service. True Japanese style. Good drinks/sake. Highly recommend.

Booking essential, we went on a thursday night and it was very busy. Small but cosy. Traditional Japanese i feel was done very well, best i have been too this far. $80 for two people, we shared plates and purchased no drinks. Would visit again

overpriced and quite bland! don't bother.<br/>A meal for two set us back $135 with no dessert and only 2 beers. One of the mains of four tiny lamb cutlets was $46 ($35 for 3 pieces and to add an extra piece on was another $11!) you could eat a main meal at the award winning Ten Minutes By Tractor just down the road for that price! The tuna was overcooked and dry. <br/>the plate of food was very uninspiring, a few pieces of snow peas, one small piece of carrot, a tablespoon of red cabbage and a tablespoon of pumpkin, both mains plated in exactly the same way. They needed seasoning, when we asked for salt, the waitress came around and salted for us and then took the salt grinder away, like you do with pepper, which was very strange. <br/>the one good thing was the agedashi tofu which we shared as an entree. <br/>We won't bother going back.

very nice food- a limited menu selection but well done (fresh fresh sashimi, also the snapper; great fried rice and delicious tofu; and the gyozas which we didn't order were very popular at other tables); pleasant atmosphere and skilled service.  <br/>we would come back even if this place wasn't in the food desert of Balnarring ... <br/>full with tables turning over several times too, which shows that a good restaurant will do well in Balnarring!!!! More please.