Joanne Lung
It was four years ago since we came here and the food this time was much improved from the previous experience. The menu is designed for sharing but is much smaller than I remembered so it didn't take long to order.
Regardless, we enjoyed some flavoursome dishes that woke up the tastebuds. The memorable offerings were the Pumpkin Stuffed Mushrooms, Prawn Buckwheat Tempura with a delectable apple cream mayo and the Salmon Sashimi Cerviche.
The three of us were uncomfortably squeezed onto one of the tiny tables in the main room. They wanted to serve more dishes but we had no space left. The lady moved us into the covered garden area at the back, which was nearly empty.
Staff were friendly and helpful throughout the visit. The portion sizes were quite small for the price and we went elsewhere afterwards for dessert. Both visits had some hits and misses but definitely improved from last time.
Lena
Overall good experience. Dishes looked fancy. The salmon sashimi was a bit too salty, which made the following dishes tasted plain... Vegetarian katsu curry was undesirably sweet... Disappointed that the menu got much smaller.
John Lawson
Looks a small restaurant from the street, but actually quiet large as there are other areas.
The service was great, especially the waitress, exceptionally good ather job.
Food was great as well
Chia
My friend and I enjoyed vegetarian lunch there. Our dishes were nice and colourful with a variety of vegetables. The staff were very friendly and helpful and we received excellent service.
Justin Curreen-Harris
Took my partner on a date night here, booked online noting allergies and that I didn't want to be near the door. When we arrived she clarified my allergies without mentioning it and we were sat on the mezzanine level which I found really cute. The service was friendly, bubbly even, the waitress was really lovely, listened and made great recommendations. Had beef tatake, salmon ceviche, chicken karage and pork gyoza - all very good. The only small nitpick is I would've liked salt on my edamame. Cost for two (with cokes not alcohol) was just under a hundred.
Nadia Craven
Oh my goodness, the service here was lovely! The food was equally great, price was reasonably cheap for the portion we received. Saving this as one of my favourite restaurants! :)
Eshlie A
Spent a week in Melbourne and this was the best restaurant out of all of them. Interior is quirky and clean, staff are polite and service is quick. The food offerings are the best of all, and worth the trek out of the city. Still very much traditional Japanese flavours and offerings with their own signature twists.
Was most impressed by the tofu katsu curry, but the chicken karaage was great too! Highly recommend.
Mz Beatz
Great food, a lot of choices for all diets and really well priced, lovely staff… it gets a bit crowded and can be really noisy, great for quick dinners.
Sense Of Food
🇯🇵 japanese food<br/>🍱 breakfast set<br/>🍣 chirashi<br/>🏚: Wabi Sabi Salon<br/>📍: Collingwood<br/><br/>————————————————————<br/><br/>📝: Small little Japanese style diner in Collingwood, serving delicious Japanese Teishoku sets and dishes. Definitely a must try for Japanese food lovers out there.<br/><br/>❤️: I ordered the Japanese Breakfast Set, a salmon main whith so many side dishes—too many too count! There was beef shabu shabu, onsen egg, natto, and so much more.<br/><br/>So obsessed with how cute the set is, with so many side dishes to eat with. Loved the teriyaki salmon, of course, the main course, but I’d also like to shout out for the mushroom tofu side, a little crispy on the outside but soft and tasty inside.
Bryan Yip
The most unauthentic overpriced Japanese food around. All the dishes just tasted of salt which overpowered everything and the serving size were so small. Would not return. <br/>
Quince And Cheese
I love Wabi Sabi so much! It's healthy and fun and colourful and so tasty. The food is wholesome and affordable for what you get. I recently got a Bento to take away, which isn't composed like a Bento but contains various elements (black rice, crumbed tofu, pickled veg) that could define it as such. Curry on top is optional but highly recommended. Each element on its own has such great flavour already but the combo is even better. For $12, it made a super filling and satisfying lunch.
VegoLover
This place has very similar if not the same menu as Neko Neko but somehow the food here tasted better, perhaps made with more TLC.<br/>Vegan dumplings and spicy ramen were delicious!!<br/>Agedashi tofu and mushroom on rice were also very tasty.<br/>Will definitely be back for more.<br/>Service was very friendly and inviting even though we had to queue on a Sat night, expected after 7pm.
Tabi Ei
Tried two of the ramens there. The tofu one and the shoyu shickoji one. The Tofu one was great , I really enjoyed it, quite spicy which I like.<br/>the other one was quite bland but I guess some people enjoy that as my friend didn't mind it. The edamame s were very cold and tasteless though , about more salt or something would have helped. <br/>The service was quick and staff were helpful.
Beverly
Loved the ambience and the food. Been there twice and was extremely satisfied with both the food and the service on both occasions. The jap curry was delicious and so was the teishoku. Would definitely go back again.
NoMeat
We were redirected here by staff as neko neko was bustling.<br/><br/>Very nice venue, we were serviced promptly.<br/>We found all the dishes to be average, although the ramen noodles were nice.<br/><br/>Won't be rushing back anytime soon.
The Wandering Reviewer
A late night supper here and it was superb. Seated at a lovely crafted timber table with the restaurant still sprinkled with diners on a Tuesday night, we chose food without really knowing what we were ordering. The lovely staff gave us some guidance but it was still pot luck. And we struck gold. I had a lovely noodle broth with vegetables. My friend chose a dish that looked superb. Alas no photos of the meals because frankly on this occasion, it would've been inappropriate.<br/><br/>Staff are so lovely with excellent English and know the menu inside out. Nice red wine and good beer as well.<br/><br/>Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Parking out the front is limitless after 6.3pm. A must visit.
Chloe
After reading all the positive comments above and trying myself last night, I actually don’t understand why it has received such a high rating?!<br/><br/>I ordered Mapo tofu ramen and when it arrived, I almost couldn’t tell if it is ramen or something else! It looks like the noodles has been sitting there for a while and they are all stuck together. Also, there is not enough soup in this so-called ramen. The flavour didn’t get into the noodles at all. <br/><br/>We also ordered the green tea multi-layer crepe for dessert. Again, the crepe has also been sitting there for a while and it already tastes dry on the edges. <br/><br/>We also tried the Yuzu iced pudding. I have to say I quite like the refreshing flavour of Yuzu but after having a few more scoops, it just tastes like frozen yoghurt to me. I understand that there is some creative thoughts out there but definitely not a “wow” for me. <br/><br/>Price wise, I honestly don’t find value out of this meal given all the things that have been missed here. <br/><br/>On a positive side, staffs are friendly. <br/><br/>So overall 2 stars for this place, will definitely not visit again.
Steven Gu
Wabi sabi salon in Collingwood. I am really into this small cosy cafe or restaurant. Give you a unique Japanese fusion and like something you won’t experience in Japan. I like their lunch mini bento box and poke bowl. Prawn Gyoza is a bit salty to me but I know that Japanese do eat strong and salty food thus gyoza is not always type.
Kim
The food and service is really good here. I got the tempura mushroom dinner bento and the veg gyoza. However I feel they're a bit overpriced, especially when it's not a fancy place, we had to sit at a communal table. I'll definitely come back though as it was all delicious.
Gabrielle Pestinger
I've been here a few times for dinner and been happy. Found the lunch menu disappointing, overpriced and quality only mediocre. I had the pumpkin tempura teishoku. $21. Miso soup arrived 10 mins before the set. It was tepid. Set was okay but nothing special and certainly not worth $21. Given the restaurant has no table service, i think some cheaper options (cheapest is a $19 ramen) is necessary. Service was average also. Unsmiling and perfunctory. There were only 2 other people eating at 1230pm on a Friday. I now know why. Won't return.
Kate Dougherty
Not a bad option if you’re looking for a venue that also caters well for all dietary requirements. We tried the prawn gyoza, the corn fritters, the octopus karage, the sardines on charcoal bread and the tuna sashimi with truffle sauce. The tuna was my favourite by far. I also tried some of the vegetarian ramen which had a great mushroom flavour.
Miriam Haug
Wabi Sabi has completely changed the way I view Japanese food, these guys definitely know how to put on a feast! With a great selection of vegan options there is no way you can leave this place hungry. The atmosphere is lovely and they have an adorable little outside area that is great for warmer days. My favourite dishes here were the Shoyu Shio Koji Ramen and the Vegan Heaven Curry. I will definitely be coming back to this place for another feast soon. *sponsored free meal
Eva Las Vegas
The food was amazing. I dont usually eat sashimi and I'm now a convert. Second time I've ever eaten ramen and such a standard has been set that I think I need to drive to Smith St everytime I get a ramen craving now! Flavours of everything were amazing.
Nadia
Wabi Sabi Salon has recently updated its menu so I was keen to visit. The offering skews vegan and pescatarian, with four types of ramen (three of them vegan!), donburi, Japanese curries, and various traditional delights (agedashi tofu, miso eggplant, tempura etc). I tried the tan tan ramen which was spicy, creamy, sesame-y, and delicious, packed with noodles and crowned with a few choice vegetables. The portion was huge and I struggled to finish it. For dessert, we tried the frozen yuzu pudding (great!) and the matcha mille crepes with red bean (sadly the vegan cream filling tasted strongly of margarine). Keen to go back to try more of the meals as everything looked amazing!
Andrew Turner
3066Wabi Sabi Salon was well located for our Friday evening plans, we'd booked a table which turned out to have been a good move as it was pretty busy when we arrived at around 8pm. Inside the typical Smith St storefront the interior sloping 'roofs' provided a Japanese touch and a cosy feel. Out the back there was also a small courtyard area that was also busy with a group of diners.
Budi Sudarto
We came as a group and they put us in a nice area at the courtyard (covered with heater on). Friendly service from the moment we walked in. I don't normally get food envy but couldn't help myself as they brought out the dishes one by one. It's not your "typical" Japanese restaurant, but it's fresh, modern and I'll definitely come back to try more dishes.
Fatcat
Because I had wanted to try Wabi Sabi a long time before they closed for renovation, I came here with no holds barred when it finally re-opened and ended up ordering A LOT of food. The highlight of the night was definitely the tempura prawns with green curry mayo. The mayo was so deep in flavour; it was very exciting for us curry fans. We also really enjoyed the dessert, a kind of amazake gelato with a yuzu dressing. The wait staff were also very friendly. We really enjoyed our night - thanks Wabi Sabi!
Bob Weis
Now the team from Neko Neko, still a fave are doing wonders at this place. As a vegan I find lots to choose from and all of it delicious. No really I haven’t had an ordinary dish yet.<br/>
Eat Like Theres No Tomorrow
Staff are definitely polite and friendly, BUT food is absolutely no reflection of what Japanese food is. Have been to Japan and the food in this restaurant is completely westernised.....I have to say I'm utterly disappointed and upset about the food there. Also, to be honest, it didn't taste that great either....If people are paying that price, they would expect a bit more....just saying.
JtotheG
Love the noodles here. The broth has a rich yet subtle flavour and the atmosphere is very nice. We have had lots of team lunches here and the service is friendly.
Hangry Cat
Came here to try the newly revamped Wabi Sabi and was not disappointed! The new menu appears to have more choices I'd want to eat and on this occasion tried the Poke bowl which was so refreshing and delicious. Would easily return to try the other dishes (hopefully just as good too) or just come back for the Poke bowl. Interior looks good too.
JJ
Pricey and underwhelming. Hard to come back to a place when they mess up something as basic as katsu chicken. Why is the sauce sour?? Never had sour curry before. Miso cod was.... Unappealing. The specials menu grilled salmon (i think) nigiri was good but its not enough to get me back. Lift your game pls.
The Last One Piece
Im not an instagrammer nor I put photos to be bias. These days presentation is part of a japanese meal. Should be priced so much for it. Bento set for lunch, wasnt enough to fill me up. Im a big eater but even 2 bento set wouldnt get me full so decided to get some burger on the way back. Taste is average, the flavour a little bit everywhere. Fusion ideas are great but there are many shops who are creating many quality dishes. Need to up the ante as one of the first to do Japanese fusion. Service was however as all Japanese are, above average. Besides a tall man, unsure if he is the owner or manager but seems very arrogant. Please be polite to other customers.
Donna
Plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. <br/>The tempura, tofu and tempeh salad and ramen were all super yummy!! <br/>Very reasonably priced. <br/>Highly recommend!
Aggie Koczwara
The dishes were tasty and flavour packed with an attention to detail. I loved the cosy woodsy traditional Japanese decor, I didn't feel like I was in Melbourne. Staff were friendly and helpful.
David Liao
One of the most expensive lunch bento box I have experienced. Simple work only a few pieces of tuna. Presentation is elegant. Despite first impression of not enough to eat. The cut of tuna with fresh wasabi dressing was simply sublime. Perfect serve on a cool late showing afternoon. If you have big appetite this bento is not enough.
Cheronnie
Let’s continue our culinary journey on Smith Street and we come across yet another Japanese restaurant. This cozy eatery with its indoor wooden huts and the most adorable mini Japanese garden out back, provides a traditional and quaint atmosphere whilst serving a modern menu with “authentic home style and fusion Japanese cuisine”.
Amy-Louise Rutherford
This place is the perfect amount of japanese boho kitsch and the food is amazing. Can never go past the tuna sashimi salad and the beef tataki - seriously tasty business. Love this place.
Hangry Jules
Wabi Sabi salon presented beautiful insta-worthy meals. I had chicken katsudon, it was a little bit cold, but I think this could be because they were trying to bring all the food out together. All meals took a while to arrive, especially ramen. However, ramen had lots of ingredients in it and everyone enjoyed their meal. <br/><br/>You might be able to find a kitten at the back (on the way to toilet) if you are a cat lover, this kitty was there the whole time we were eating😍 <br/><br/>I would say overall an average Japanese restaurant.
The Hangry Hippo
Kaarage was not as crispy as I like kaarage to be. Mushroom Bento was delicious and the black cod was very flavoursome although the Bento was not great value, would have preferred to have just ordered the dish by itself with rice separately. Will be back to try the swordfish kaarage main.
Hangry Horace
Came here for lunch and ordered the seafood bento. I was a little disappointed because the bento only came with crumbed salmon along with a few vegetarian accompaniments. I had the perception that the bento wouldve come with a mixture of seafood. The food was okay, just not very inspiring.
TravisV
You get a good Japanese curry for about $20. You generally can't go wrong with a katsu and even though it's good it could be a little bit bigger.
J0yy173
This is a place where I have some expectations given its reputation and today was somewhat hit and miss amongst our group. <br/><br/>Hits: deliciously tender kingfish as part of the seafood bento boxes, the yuzu chilli, flavoursome ramen broth, beautifully balanced flavours in the matcha creme brulee, the lovely set up in the courtyard. <br/><br/>Misses: over -cooked ramen, the brulee was lukewarm on the outside and cold in the middle like it came out of the fridge and wasn't properly reheated, the frozen yuzu pudding that tasted like marmalade, the lack of service as there were no other patrons in the courtyard so we had to go and get them and the waitress who didn't know what the day's specials were.<br/><br/>We've had better here and elsewhere in the competitive culinary neighbourhood. Let's hope they were just having an off day.
Abhijit Nayak
Great food and wonderful experience . The waiters are very accommodative . We are strict vegetarians and they changed our order to minus eggs and add tofu
Jiji
Wabi Sabi is an authentic and cosy Japanese restaurant in Collingwood. Service was great and there is an outdoor seating which is perfect for larger groups. <br/><br/>I had the Japanese curry with panko chicken. It was delicious, flavoursome and a very generous portion! 😋
This Diner Is Anonymous
There are plenty of ramen options on Smith Street alone, but this place is a decent pick. The sweet potato chips were an absolute delight - the creamy sauce that they're served with is lemony fresh and without peer. My friend was a little bemused by his bento box - half of the tray he could have gone without, the other half he loved. My shoyu ramen was creamy and delicious, but a little too heavy. The place was packed and buzzing, though acoustics are a little challenging when it was so busy. Overall, a lovely night out.
Harvey Cha
Waitress was very unprofessional and unfriendly.<br/>I'll never go this place again!!!!<br/>I showed one of their Bento dish which I got from Facebook, but different dish came out.<br/>Complaint about this, they just said wait and nothing happened.I don't know her name but she is not Japanese long hair and very rude attitude.<br/>$28 for Bento box, it was totally not worth it!!<br/>Just a few japanese veggies and nothing special.<br/>Highly not recommend.<br/>
Just Jamie
A Fresh take on Modern Japanese Food!<br/><br/>This place was on the list and we decided to go and take a look, we arrive and the place was full except for the corn yard at the back so opted to sit out there as it was a nice summers evening!<br/><br/>The Menus came and so much to choose from, all the dishes sounding amazing so we ordered a few dishes to share. It was a while ago so i do not remember the exact dishes however they were all amazing. Perfectly cooked Wagu Beef fresh and left going back for more simply melt in the mouth. The Chicken warped in a crispy skin was also a very high quality dish and my favorite of the night server with a beetroot sauce. Another Dish we ordered was the lots flower i was a bit hesitant but it surprise me fresh crunchy and a great slaw to help eat it. <br/><br/>The service here was great and the fresh modern menu was just wonderful, id go back here for sure to sample some more delicious Food. <br/><br/>Restaurant Type: Modern Asian/ Japanese
Belle Eats Melbourne
One of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne. Great atmosphere and food, a bit pricey is the only downside. Service is also pretty good. Highly recommend
Caroline Beaney
I went to Wabi Sabi Salon after Neko Neko couldn't fit my group in. Luckily they let us book the beautiful outside area that has a mini Japanese garden! It was very lovely and tranquil eating and drinking in that area. I would definitely recommend trying to get a seat outside of you go to Wabi Sabi - it really adds to the experience. <br/><br/>Customer service was very good. They explained the daily specials very well. I ended up ordering the sparkling sake and the Mushroom sushi special. Wabi Sabi the Mushroom sushi shouldn't be a special, it should be on the main menu guys! Seriously that was some of the best sushi I've had in Australia since returning from Japan! I'm so happy that they made something so fresh. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and it certainly doesn't lack any flavour. There's lots of wasabi on the mushroom sushi though so prepare for a lot of heat!! I liked that they used lots of different types of mushrooms and were able to create 3 different unique sushi flavours. The only downside was that the sushi probably wouldn't be enough to fill you up so I would suggest customers to order some sushi to share as a side dish and then order a larger meal. For those looking for a more filling meal I would recommend the ramen or one of the bento boxes. The bento boxes look so pretty!<br/><br/>They also sell sweet potato fries here which really surprised me! Apparently they tasted really nice.<br/><br/>I think I would really return here - would definitely be my go to place for sushi in Melbourne.
Clalla Morishita
Such a cute atmosphere. The back area is nice when the weather is good. The sashimi slices were tiny but the black cod with saikyo miso was one of the best Japanese dishes I've had here! I am Japanese and it made me miss home! Please try.
Bbhood85
Food was clean and flavours delicate and fresh, similar to traditional Japanese food I'd get in the countryside of Japan. But a little bit pricey for what u get. 25 dollar bentos and 18 dollar ramen and 11 buk stubbies. <br/><br/>The standout dish was definitely the tempura prawns cooked 2 ways. I will be back but not after trying the other places around here.
Soleil
I always delight when I find an authentic Japanese eatery just like this one. Lunch on Sunday here was wonderfully relaxing. I enjoyed the gozen, it was a surprise box of deliciousness, laden with thoughtfully prepared pickles and condiments. Their desserts were just as excellent, matcha creme brûlée was amazing and their matcha cheese cake perfectly paired with black sesame ice cream. Service is very attentive.
SueyLuey
I recently attended a friend’s wedding that was catered by Wabi Sabi Restaurant. So here is my review for the catering component as I have yet to dine at the restaurant itself in Collingwood. I understand Wabi Sabi create more of an authentic home style and fusion Japanese style of cuisine – just as you would find in Japan! Boy do I miss Japan. The menu of the evening was extensive. I can see the banquet on offered would be great for sharing however we got them as individual plates per courses.
Food Glorious Food
Came here with 6 people for mums bday.<br/>This place is nestled in with a stack of awesome restaurants next to it, so it has to be good otherwise it wouldn't survive.<br/>Firstly, Japanese restaurants are usually run by Chinese, gladly this is run be authentic Japanese whom know what they are doing.<br/>We ordered bento boxes and several sides dishes as below.<br/>Bento boxes:<br/>Black cod- this is a must have. Cooked perfectly with the sticky sweet outside skin with tendor flesh yum!<br/>Sword fish- deep fried with crispy corn batter. Omg to die for, crispy outside and tendor flesh!<br/>Wagyu meat balls- this is really disappointing, because the Wagyu is cooked well done, you can't tell if the meat is wagyu and it loses its grade. It might as well be normal beef mince.<br/>Side diahes:<br/>Tuna salad - omg so many flavours, sweet, tangy and citrusy<br/>Beef tataki - quickly charcoaled in a mayonnaise sauce. Still raw, tendor and just soo good<br/>Tempura prawns and gyoza. All well good!<br/><br/>Really happy except for my wagyu meat balls which I do not recommend. 4.5 stars
Yuan Diego
Wabi sabi! What a great institution on smith street when you want to get Japanese food. Came here the other night, and got their Grilled Black Cod dinner gozen. The presentation of the food was amazing, and each component was tasty, and I felt more and more healthy as I ate it. Service has always been fantastic, you feel calmer, happier just being there. If you don't want to spend $28 for a meal at night, consider dropping in quickly to grab a couple of sushi rolls at lunch - they are definitely close to the high standards that Kenzan at GPO set for sushi in Melbourne.
Sweet And Sour Fork
My Grilled Black Cod ($28) bento was exactly the same as the meatball one, except for, well, the black cod. This was once again stellar; the pieces of cod were delicate and glossy, and practically melted in the mouth. The savoury earthiness of the miso sauce brought out the natural sweetness of the fish, and I absolutely loved the slight stickiness you get with cod that makes it such a good accompaniment to rice.
"JT" Jeffrie Trika
Always a fan of Japanese food .... especially a quirky one.<br/><br/>This place is exactly that, once you go inside as first impression doesn't give you much.<br/><br/>Food wise, on the middle echelon of set Bento prices (lunch), good quality and well cooked.<br/><br/>Great service and very enjoyable Japanese dining experience.
Gotham
I can't tell you about the rest of the menu, and I'm not sure I'll ever know, because when I return here to eat again, I'm not sure I can order anything other than the black cod meal plate. The other tiny bits and bobs were nice enough, and the minty drink was potable if somewhat too sugary. But. That. Cod.
Iris Myandowski
I'm very confused with how to proceed in eating my small, dainty meal with lots of sections but luckily it tastes good. There are a lot of vegan options here.
MandyToorak
Love this spot to get a bento, they are always top qual. Here, you get options of meat, fish or veggie bentos and I have had all types and they're all great. These change seasonally, which will keep your palate saucy. I feel like the prices are good here, relatively affordable.
Skellie
Had the agedashi tofu and eggplant bento and really enjoyed it. It was vegan but you'd never know- full of flavours and versatility. The tofu was in a thicker sauce than the thin one I was expecting, but that was actually preferable as it was easier to enjoy with the rice. We also had the edamame croquette curry which was very delicious, too! <br/>Prices were appropriate for dinner and the staff were very friendly and accomodating, particularly the man who helpfully moved us to another table when we gained an extra guest. <br/>Thank you. <br/><br/>
Katherine McRae
We tried this place (group of 4), it was very disappointing. Ordered 4x seafood bentos which were pitiful at best, pickled veggies, couple of bits of fried rockling and rice. We also ordered the scallops which were great so it was a shame the rest didn't follow suit. Found it to be over priced, and small portions. Safe to say we won't be back.
Donutsam
My favourite Japanese place here in Melbourne land is Wabi Sabi Salon. They have an inventive, interesting menu that delights the tastebuds with modern Japanese cuisine. Lunch is a little different of an experience to dinner, and I went for the katsu bento box with my flatmate whilst we were hunting for a house in Collywood. Fresh, interesting tastes and textures with all items presented well. Great homemade pickles. They have an adorable outdoor seating area although the inside and toilets can be a little cramped at times. How Japan!
Delicious Doris
Not so traditional but very delicious. Crispy agedashi tofu with intense umami sauce and crunch of fresh daikon strips. The slightly seared ocean trout sushi was melt in your mouth with the slightest smoke flavor.
Fryday Night Foodie
Loved their food. Wagyu is tender and great. Deep fried chicken is very juicy which I would say it's one of the best I ever had in Melbourne. But their nigiri is only average. And their mushroom is a bit too sweet for me. Would definitely come back!
Expensive Delicious Habit.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Wabi Sabi Salon for the first time. This day had torrential downpour and we were seated in the quaint 'outside room' at Wabi Sabi. Quite an experience! I chose the seafood bento box of the day. A very unique place- no Japanese curry made from a packet here.
Patrick Leyland
Fantastic food, some of the best Japanese I've had in Australia. Great service and lots of different traditional options on the menu. The $25 dinner bento box was really good value for money. I'll be back.
Oh Hui Wen Wendy
Took me by surprise that this Japanese Fusion cuisine has quite a large serving! <br/><br/>I'm usually not a fan of fusion cuisines, but I have to say, Wabi Sabi salon is doing rather well, mixing Jap and Western flavours into a modern jap dish. Also, the nice ambience in the courtyard really helped!
Melbourniancritic (The Melbourne Experience)
Feel like you've been transported to Tokyo as you walk through the doors of this charming eclectic Japanese restaurant. Their menu offers a great variety of authentic Japanese cuisine, that include sashimi plates, sushi nigiri, wagyu options, Japanese style burgers, Japanese curries, sashimi carpaccio, noodle dishes, salads, bento boxes & so much more. <br/>Photo credit: Wabi Sabi Salon
Matty T
A great place to stop for lunch! We ordered the sashimi lunch plate and the teriyaki chicken. I really wanted the bento but wasn't keen on deep fried pork belly. Great portions and sensational flavours! The tuna sashimi was an absolute standout!
Shlomi
A group of 8 in a busy Friday night and we all were really satisfied with the food and service. All dishes were very tasty, unique and nicely served with reasonable proportions for the price.
Amy Fogs
If you loved your eating experiences in Japan (generous services, multiple components, weird and wonderful) then tada! Wabi Sabi is the closest thing I have experienced. I had a vegetarian pack of some sort and it was awesome. Would eat it everyday if I lived closer to Smith st. Keen to go back and try their bento box which is super good value. FINALLY, staff are LOVELY and look after you well
Kirsten Tanner
Good value for money. Had the meat bento which was pork today and it was juicy and tender. Love all the pickles that come with the bento too.
Timinmelbourne
I went here tonight with my friend as I was keen for some good Japanese. This place was ok but it wasn't the best Japanese I've had, but In saying that the entree duck bun was excellent, and the miso soup was great. <br/>The main thing that let this place down in my opinion was the Bento boxes. I had the seafood bento whilst my friend had the meat (pork) bento. Both bentos were fried with basic salad and rice. <br/>Other than that the Japanese beer on tap was excellent, and the service was good.
Cristy Phelan
First time eating here last nice and I'm wrapped to have found another gem of a restaurant. Our waiter was fantastic, full of jokes and entertaining. We started with the pork belly buns - soft, light, light bun with melt in your mouth marinated pork belly. Followed with delicious, fresh Salmon sashimi in a zesty orange vinegarette, Wagu beef sashimi, roasted sweet potato chips and perfectly seared pan-fried scallops. With enough food to fill 4 of us, plus 2 bottles of wine, we were happily surprised for the bill to come in under $300
Canadian In Melbourne
Really average. Nice service and nice decor but unfortunately the food was very average (at a stretch). Also overpriced. Would not recommend particularly with so many other excellent options in the area.
Kevin Jung Hak Yun
Came here for lunch on Monday and got the meat don lunch set. I have to say it was really delicious. I got the crispy chicken as that was the meat option on the day. It was crispy and the Mayo wth it was delicious. I only wished there was a little bit more rice and side dishes. But other than that, the meal was good and the price was reasonable. The service is really good too. I don't think my water cup was ever empty.
MsV
Wabi Sabi lunch considered of my chicken teriyaki and husbands' bento box. My chicken was really nice and tender, teriyaki was spot on. Bento box also came with a side of Miso soup. Very enjoyable Japanese lunch.
Leesh
We ordered 4 dishes- soft shell crab, scallops, tuna salad and duck, plus rice. The tuna salad was incredible and duck was good. Other two dishes weren't. Apart from the tuna salad, nothing was delicious. The soft shell crab could've been served with a better dipping sauce and that would've been amazing. I found it to be not good value for money though as the portions were very small and at $50 per person, I expected to be full which I was no where near. I'm not a big eater either. I wasn't looking for a cheap meal but even at other expensive places I've been able to enjoy the food and be full.
Mrs Mark
Very solid Japanese restaurant with good food. There is a cool outdoor seating area as well. Service was okay. Reasonably priced as well.
Nicole Lee Williams
Came here tonight with friends. I was the first person to arrive and when I got to the restaurant and stated I had a reservation I'd booked over the phone the previous night (I gave my name and number with this reservation) I found out it had never been written down. I felt bad because when they did get my table they had moved people off the table and sat me down there instead. Once my friend arrived we ordered quickly. We each ordered a dish (I got the chicken karaage with a side of rice, and my friends got the duck and salmon sashimi) and edamame. Everything came out seperate and at least 20 minutes between each dish. We had to ask where the rest of our food was when the sashimi was brought out first after waiting for 20 minutes, they then brought out the duck and my side of rice... 20 minutes pass and we asked where the chicken was. Someone then explains the dishes are made to share. This was never explained to us when ordering even though we made it clear whilst order who had each dish and our intent to not share together. Example, I said "I will have the chicken karaage with a side of rice". After an apology they said it was 5 minutes away, we had to ask two more times after waiting 5 minutes before the chicken arrived. We ordered a side of sweet potatoe fries which they gave to us for free due to the service and but this was also AFTER all that food was brought out. Food was good, but this wasn't enough to make up for such terrible and poor service. I will not recommend this restaurant in future. This has been my first visit and will be my last.
Mark
Went here for a friend's birthday and had a really good lunch experience. Dishes were varied, interesting but most importantly, very tasty. Staff were friendly and the interior decor was kind of quirky but in a good way
Ji
We went there with 5 family member on wknd. Sat at back with heater, it was not too bad as I could see waiter was attentive enough ( not sure, coz we are Japanese?)<br/>Ordered variety of food. <br/>Salmon sashimi - nicely decorated, not too spicy for adult or children, but downside is too much soy/dipping sauce was on it already. <br/>Tuna salad - little spicy for people sensitive to spices or sensitive taste buds. it was suitable dish with sake as oily -ness of fish(not fish is oily, but heavy flavour) <br/>yuzu pork slow cook knuckle - well,...yuzu had simply over powered sweetness of pork & also it was little dry(主観的になりますがユズがほんのり分かるか分からないくらいにして、もう少し甘味と照りをつけたほうがよろしいと思います。）<br/>Soft shell crab - needless to say it suited my beer.<br/><br/>Service - attentive enough, I could see the effort, <br/><br/>There is a lot of room for improvement in terms of food (presentation, pouring sauce on top of dishes), front of house staff communication between each other and back of house.<br/>Will I recommend to friend or will I come back? I probably will. Better than some of old Japanese restaurant on King street( Hanabishi) or North Melbourne(Akita)
C
Good Japanese, with a sizeable with many standard dishes having an interesting twist. Quirky but pleasing interior with an interesting set up. Includes a few tables on busy Smith Street, and some traditional floor seating out the back in a cute little rear courtyard. Staffing is pleasant if the quality of service somewhat variable<br/><br/>Wabi Sabi is certainly not a cheap Japanese option for dinner, although with the type and quality of ingredients this is not unusual. Lunch on the other hard is far more reasonably priced, and they do a bustling trade in takeaway handrolls from the front counter as well. Has remained consistently good throughout its life.<br/><br/>Worth a visit.
Rhianna Hume-Cook
Love this place so much! Best atmosphere, delicious fresh food. My favourite this to have here is the raw wagyu! Definitely give it a try if you don't mind the raw feel :)
Chillout.im
Stepped into a different country, a different time altogether, when I entered Wabi Sabi. Having spent some time living in Japan, Wabi Sabi felt authentic with its traditional interior decor juxtaposed with the modern art pieces (including a print from Shohei Otomo) on the wall. The backyard is beautiful too. Food and service are also great. Ichiban!
Renato
Had to wait a little for takeaway and they sat me down at a table with a beer. The atmosphere is great and the chicken teriyaki don was a delight - well worth the wait.
Leila
I have been eating at Wabi Sabi for about 5 years and in the last few months there has been a marked decline in the quality of the cooking techniques and the ingredients. <br/>Wabi used to have a total yum factor especially with its vegetarian dishes. In two recent dining experiences meals where left uneaten as they are not the same recipe as previously and are now inedible, most sadly the buckwheat soba noodle salad which used to be extremely delicious is now claggy and tasteless. <br/>I'm so upset after all these years of loving this place and recommending - I will now be avoiding it and telling people not to waste their money.
Lionel
Over priced and well below average food.
Crdav1
Very average food and ambiance. The soft shell crab tasted strange, the gyozas were not very good, the tofu was smothered in a sauce full of sugar and the salmon sushi was the only thing we enjoyed. For $70 and we didn't even have any drinks it was a bit of a rip off.
Stuart Smith
I think the best ramen I have had in Australia.
Erica Parkes
Very relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff :-) I really like their interesting selection of sushi! The only thing is that I don't like the style of miso they serve - too vinegary for my taste :-(
Prue Kasby
Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Food was so overpriced it was ridiculous. We were sat out the back some cold shack that felt like a garden shed. Waiter was running around but got nowhere. Service was well below average, especially considering the huge price tag. What 'Japanese' restaurant runs out of miso soup? Or serves gyouzas with a weird pastry crust and no dipping sauce? We will never return. Don't waste your time or money on this place - we were left so disappointed and almost angry at the absolute rip off that was this dinner.
Skinny Glutton
As you enter Wabi-Sabi, the indoor wooden hut slates make you feel as if you just walked into a small Japanese garden. The sake is warm, the food cooked and plated with that delicate Japanese care that is so rarely found in dining experiences. When such care is experienced, dismantling the meal feels almost wicked. Almost.
Crystal46sw
Confused!. After 1.5 hours over dinner and spent $45 per person..the five of us were confused as to what type of food was being served at wabi sabi or sabi wabi or wabi wabi? ???..this is definately not a japanese restaurant...neither traditional nor modern..<br/><br/><br/>-----08 May, 2015-----<br/><br/>Confused!. After 1.5 hours and spent $45 per person..the five of us were confused as to what type of food is being served at wabi sabi or sabi wabi or wabi wabi? ???..this is definately not a japanese restaurant...neither traditional nor modern..
Hide And Seek
Chef Atsushi Kawakami’s personally created dishes are tasty and filling, ranging from lightly scorched sashimi to traditional pan-fries. There are seven different types of sake on the menu to accompany his delicate flavours, as well as a wide range of teas. Regularly the Land of Birthdays, Wabi Sabi works for one and all. Fanny and Dick would never have dined so well.
The World Loves Melbourne
Loved the lunch bento box with terriyaki chicken – it was amazing. Some quality Japanese rice and Japanese salad plus pickled vegetables and excellent chicken.
Mic Cullen
I don't eat sushi, so this isn't the place for me! But I went along with a mate, and he declared it to be good. It's on good old Smith St in Collingwood, so we walked up there from my place.
Jess
...everything I was hoping for - super fresh, soft fluffy rice, and lots of tuna.
Addy
White fish tempura bento; the fish was really fresh and I was really happy that they weren't dripping with oil! The portion of the bento was jus
Minda Barley
Generously plump and savoury, juicy and meaty they were very good. <br/>
Ashley
While some of the food may not have been complete winners for me, the atmosphere and the service did completely win me over, it's so nice to be able to go somewhere quiet once in a while.
Lovefood
Yummy!!. Everything was yummy! Prawn tempura, salmon sashimi, wagyu wrap, ocean trout sushi, all for a reasonable price. Will come back and recommend.
Daddyboy
Authentic Japanese food, friendly attentive service and reasonable prices. Our party of five ate here last night and all were impressed with the expertly prepared and presented delicious food and the friendly professional timely service. One of our group had lived in Japan recently and reported the food and experience here was very similar to that which you'd find in Japan, where most people eat out every night. I loved the food here and there were many dishes I had not previously encountered in Japanese restaurants. There was none of that tired old knife wizardry where you sit with a bib on while some clown tries to propel a prawn into your mouth from the teppanyaki grill, and the prices here are very reasonable.
Joe Magic
Not Impressed! Expected better.. I never wanted to be one of those people that aired their dirty laundry (being restaurant service complaints) but this time it warrants something being said.<br/>For what it is worth the food was good and tasty but the wait time for the mains was laughable.<br/>I ordered the pork belly and waited a while for it to arrive but my partner waited for an hour for the black cod.<br/>We really wanted the dinner to be a special one but it was a swing and a miss on this one.
Roger Kaputnik
Great atmosphere and pretty good food.. Have been a few times for lunch. Has a great atmosphere, is run by some friendly young Japanese women. There is a take away selection at the front (sushi and bento) but you can also eat this food inside for no extra charge (it's cheaper) with a nice $1 extra miso soup option. Their miso is good, quite rustic in taste but with quite a few veges and not oversalted. Also cool music (thus far I have heard reggae and enka) that is played softly in the background - I wish more venues would do this rather than blasting loud crappy generic house music and the like!!!
Sandybee4444
Yum yum yum! Every dish we had was super tasty and delish and a little different to the normal japanese u get everywhere. Service was great and pricess were ok. Only downfall one of our mains took ages to come out, not sure if they forgot it or bodged it but it was very late. Saying that, we would definitely go again.
Village Irregular
High end prices for middle of the road food.. Nice tasting food, don't get me wrong, BUT $22-24 for dinner bento box and $28 for a sashimi special is way too much. Sashimi was OK, but 12 pieces of fish with packet wasabi paste is a........rip off. I understand Smith St is very happening and you can join in on the recognition factor by hiking up the prices, but also be more inventive with your food. No beer under $9 a glass is poor form (except $6 for a light beer) for a "casual" restaurant.
Ash
Do yourself a favour.. Wabi Sabi Salon is wonderful. The Agadashi tofu is delicious and their rice paper rolls are to die for. Do you yourself a favour and try the pork belly or salmon kind and of course if you can, be sure to share a sake!
Mowie
Maybe an off day... Plus my soy sauce disaster didn't help.... Have heard people rave about this place so we checked it out for lunch. Not much on offer. We got sushi rolls which were very bland and tasted like they were made days ago. I also spilled the soy sauce packet all over my dress as I opened it :(
Chloe.tang
Hot dish served cold n old. Vegan main course mushroom tempura served completely cold and old, very disappointed even though they were tasty. The rice portion can't be smaller only a quarter of one serve, so have to re-ordered. Again the re-order is just another quarter size! Rice shall served in a right serving size of one serve. It's just rice! Not happy in term of value for money. Staffs were quite friendly but shall not return again.
Manny
Lovely staff, nice vibe and I wanted to like the food...unfortunately my order was disappointing the duck was chewy, fatty and overpriced. My friends hotpot looked great !
Monique
Love the plum wine, & weekday bento box specials.
Dandygurl7
Staff are a bit pushy. A friend had booked for a group midweek, and the wait staff kept encouraging the $45 tasting menu. Not all of the group could afford this and it was difficult for us to persuade the staff to allow us to order separate dishes. So the night started off a little awkwardly.<br/> As the night went on, we all had a great time, and the outdoor setting is just a lovely place to dine in summer.
Moov
Solid. Set course menu surprisingly good value - and substantial<br/>Good food<br/>Good atmosphere and service<br/>Will return
Sal
Terrible overpriced food. service was terrible. Staff were nice but waited over an hour for food that was inedible
CB
The service was lovely, food was nice but way too overpriced for such small servings.
Wonder
Great food and service. We ate here on Saturday evening with our daughter and her boyfriend and on a warm Melbourne night eating in the rear courtyard was great. The food was loved by all and the service was fantastic. The guys loved the daily special sashimi platter and wagu carpaccio
Jo
Average food, despite lovely service. Gyoza seemed to be coles home brand...
Emily N
Incredible bento box! Staff were lovely and accommodating. Seriously, the bento box was amazing.
Northcote Bor
Kind of grief. Used to be one of our top Japanese Restaurants, we were regular<br/>Unfortunately, menu and chef seemed to change months ago<br/>food is disappointment<br/>Sad to lose another used to be good restaurant<br/>Not coming back
Rockabilly Boi
Sunday special of ramen was great to warm me up on a cold winter day beautifully taste broth with melt in the mouth pork well worth it . Heading back on a Sunday soon.
Deezarock
So delicious! I just loved it. The pork belly dish is phenomenal as is the soba noodle salad.
Fifi
Not really great. We were not impressed- good friends and I ventured here- having tried another japanese restaurant around the corner. i think Wabi Sabi needs to up the ante a bit on dinner. It isn't good value and the food wasn't up to scratch. I sometimes venture here for lunch- bento box variety is excellent, but I won't go again for dinner. Waiter got very annoyed when my friend (coincidentally Japanese) asked if they had herbal tea. She got a VERY terse response 'green tea and brown rice tea' (exact translation). Sorry for asking
Gwyneth Wong
Love their sushi rollsss. Best sushi roll I have had, other dishes are okay and healthy. But the miso soup can be quite tasteless sometimes.
Brooster
Mmm mmm. Lots of yum vego options.
MissMimiiee
After surfing through Urbanspoon, my boyfriend and I decided to have dinner at Wabi Sabi. Their online menu looked great and we were definitely feeling like some Japanese cuisine. <br/><br/>I have to say, the restaurant was not what I thought it would be like. The place was small and does not give off an appetising appeal. Although the staff was extremely friendly and the food was okay... I thought it was way too overpriced for the quality and quantity you receive. <br/><br/>We did not leave the restaurant feeling satisfied at all... Unfortunately, we won't be back there again.
Wankathon
Mmmmmm mm!. Berry delicious ! Thanks again Wabi Sabi Xx
Heather Hughes
Great food. Tonight, my friends and I had the omakase set ( 7 courses.) the food was great. The service was very attentive. The soba noodle salad was lovely. The desert platter was to die for. Overall I'd give wabi sabi a 10 out of10. Thank you for a lovely evening! I'll definitely be back.
Imprettyfussy
Great and a bit different. This restaurant is a winner. Try it and be a bit adventurous in what you order.
SalmonySalmon
Wabi Sabi, hai!. Amazing experience at Wvabi Sabi Salon. We tried the Omakase set, with five courses for $45. It began with sashimi, the kingfish was a standout. An average and not spicy, spicy crumbed squid followed, accompanied with a sublime tempura soft shell crab, with an amazing dipping sauce. Next, was a wagyu wrap, really like Peking duck, it was sensational. A refreshing soba salad with sesame dressing followed this, followed by yet another course.. Tis time of panko crumbed chicken. It was fine, but i recommend avoiding the crumbed dishes, everything else was amazing, and there are many other things worth trying. The staff were lovely, and incredibly diligent with watering! Great value.
Leeroy
Had lunch in the outside area. Group of 10 and kids. Nice food, good service. Will be back. Thanks.
Goinghome04
Went here with my wife for dinner. Great flavours with fresh ingredients and service was pretty good. Pork belly was perhaps a little overcooked compared to last time we were here but still very nice. Drink special during happy hour made the overall bill hurt a bit less.
Jack
Great tasting dinner with authentic Japanese flavours despite portions on the small size. Great Jap beer selection and friendly service. Highly recommended.
Eurasian
Great service- fresh food that is full of flavour- amazing soba noodle salad
Jason Inglis
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! What more can I say? Had the Fish Bento with Miso Soup and also an Asahi... was nice and cold and just capped off an amazing dining experience. Thank you!
Eric Wilson
Been here a few times - easy to spend too much but having lived in Japan for abt 7 years I find it the closest to what I experienced in Japan regarding atmosphere - I even asked the kitchen staff for a special order which they did!
Angry Mamma
Ripped off and hungry. I was encouraged to try Wabi Sabi after rave reviews from my friends. So today was the day. I asked for some take away sashimi and was advised that would be $25. A little steep I thought but hey expected a large serving of quality fish that could possibly nourish me for lunch and dinner. What was given to me was the smallest sashimi I have ever seen. Even a 1 year old would not have been filled by what was served up to me. I left feeling beyond ripped off and chewed the ear off of my lunching companions who chose to eat eleswhere and were very glad to have done so. If you are going to pay $25 for your sashimi head to Nobu........ thats all Im sayin!
Steffi Junanto
Expensive but tasty. Finally get a chance to try out this restaurant, it was monday night and the place was quite empty (which I think is acceptable for a mon dinner). I came with a friend and he booked the back private table which is uber cool. Ambiance and music are nice, perfectly complemented the whole dining experience. <br/>Ordered King Fish sashimi, Ocean trout & Scallop sushi, Duck breast, Stuffed chicken wings with pork gyoza, Tender pork belly kakuni, and Meatball sukiyaki.<br/>All the foods are sensational, but I should say the outstanding dishes would be their Kingfish sashimi, Stuffed chicken wings and duck breast. Sushi was fresh and tasty I love them as well.<br/>To wrap up the dinner, we ordered pear creme brulee with red bean ice cream and green tea cheese cake.<br/>Creme brulee didn't really taste like pear and the cheese cake was just so - so.
Grace Brown
Unfortunately, I found myself paying $70+ for the most basic dinner which didn't even hit the sides. The smallest meals I've ever received without blowing my mind with flavor. I'm now on my way to smash some chips to compensate... Disappointing.
Greendoggiebag
Overpriced for the amount of beautifully created dishes. Good ambiance and service, but just not upscale enough to spend the money on it.
Rowena J
We had a great night here last week. We had the entire restaurant booked and ordered a banquet. The staff were very sweet, only slightly slow w drinks but there were 35 of us! The dishes were very well timed and most importantly delicious! Tempura, sashimi, home styley fish stew.... Ive eaten here many times over the years and the quality has stayed really high. Highly recommended
Miss Nommer
We left halfway through our "dinner" in disgust. The menu is tapas style, however 2 of our 3 dishes came to us one at a time over an hour. Portion sizes were laughable and my partner and I were almost splitting atoms as we divided dishes between us. At $15 for a serving of three chicken wings, I'm assuming that in the current market, poultry outperforms gold on a dollar per gram basis. I'm going to invest in some chickens.
Kaikai
I used to love this place but as 4-5 years has passed so has wabi sabi salon. The portions are so small, and the tastes were so bland. On top of it all, they took forevvvver to bring out food. Too expensive for its quality and speed. We were left all so hungry after the dinner.
EJK
Totally overpriced. We paid $75 for a beer, a wine and 3 small plates and left very hungry but unwilling to waste more money. How they can charge $18 for a plate of sushi that would cost $5 at lunch is beyond me.
Unforkettable
Quality japanese food you cant fault. I am very impressed with the decor, service and food. Despite being seated in a separate but cosy shed at the back, we were well attended to. Food was light and very appetising... which was why even after a selection of dishes, we felt like we've only just started. Be wary that the portion is small for the price - but it's made up for by the quality and sincere service. Good to share with friends so you can get a good mix of everything.<br/>I would recommend the wagyu bruschetta, duck breast 2way, pork belly, flounder, smoked trout special... oishii! I will return for more authentic Japanese food.
Mel
The Worst atmosphere. I was told to sit next to my husband and to sit in front of complete strangers, and the other strangers squeezed in right next to me (like shoulders almost touching!) Actually the waiters were quite friendly and they apologized that making people sit in this "stuffing table" is what they are forced to do by the owner of the restaurant and they can't do anything at the moment. Anyhow, I remember the food was ok, but the atmosphere there was too uncomfortable to destroy all the impression of the food. To someone who still want to visit this restaurant, I strongly recommend to request the table in front area (this "stuffing table" is at the backyard area), otherwise you will have the worst Japanese restaurant experience.
Bec.k
Great for vegos. I've been here a couple of times now and love the quiet atmos and the super friendly service. Although this sits right on Smith St, stepping through the doors takes you away from all that and makes you feel completely removed from the fitzroyalty only steps away.<br/>The food is great, just the right size portions to share with someone else and they have plenty of vegetarian options on the menu. <br/>The prices aren't cheap, but aren't expensive either and the food, service and atmosphere easily lives up to them.
Glenda Fry
A unique and modern approach to Japanese cuisine. We tried 5 dishes and desert, all of which were sensational. Love it, love it, love it.
Sweet&Sour
Great all round. Was brought here on the recommendation that it was the 'best Japanese in Melbourne' and can say that it's not too far from that. I ordered the sashimi and it was fresh and absolutely delicious. Staff were lovely. Setting is also lovely and reminds me of some of the places I ate at in Japan. My only nit pick (which is minor) is that the wooden table down the back is uneven and therefore uncomfortable. It's not the cheapest but then it's not your average Japanese place. I love it!
Nic
Food is amazing. But we sat out the back and it stank like a sewer.
Gb
Sad because losing a resturant I used to love. Not going again. Very disappointed as this place used to be one of my favourite japanase spots, I have been there so many times, with my partner. However, this was the first time I have ate after sometime, and there was s significant change in the menu and probably chef was not the same. Unfortunately, all the lovely dishes like broadbill tuna etc were gone and their replacements were a bit like chinese and not good. I am sad that we lost this place. Definetely, not going again
Mihu Of The Woods
Bland taste and excess use of starch. Went there for dinner with my husband and mother in law. We ordered soft shell crab tempura, grilled king fish, wagyu beef balls, and 2 veggies dishes: grilled zuchini and eggplant, and a tofu mushroom gratin that looked quite interesting. To our disappointment, all the dishes, except the tempura and grilled fish, were loaded with starch, and lacked the clean and unami taste that good Japanese dishes have. The two veggies dishes practically tasted the same. We have to eat the gratin with the dipping sauces served with the tempura otherwise it is just extremely starchy and bland and boring. Mind you, we do not have a taste for salty heavy foods normally but found the dishes at Wabi Sabi very boring. Also do not understand why they use so much starch to thicken the sauce? Maybe I will try their lunch menu but will go back for dinner.
Nat
A gem in the burb. This was definitely one of the most authenticated Japanese I have ever tried in Melbourne.<br/><br/>4 visits in a month, just tells how much we loved it. From quirky design aesthetic for this small Japanese restaurant to their vintaged menu, from flavoursome and beautifully presented on mismatched Japanese crockery to their ever disappointed three flavour ice cream, it is a place to go if you ever wondering on smith street opting for something other than tapas and pizza!
Aviv
Food and service were lovely as always, but it is hard to eat here with a group (we were 8), especially with the new summer menu. Items are too expensive to really qualify as tapas, but too small and specific to comprise one persons meal. We shared one of almost everything and ended up fullish, but one bite of Wabi Sabi's beautiful dishes just isn't satisfying! Would prefer to come here with two or three people next time.
Marina
It's one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. The decor is rustic and the little courtyard is beautiful. I always order the lotus root and some plum wine. It's a little pricey but the food is delicious.
Don CyberJunkie
Loved the salad. The sesame dressing salad is my favourite. Very fast service but a little bit pricey.
Northcotechicky
Yum!. We tried this place on a whim... Loved it! Exactly what we felt like - Fresh and generous serves. <br/>We loved sharing the massive vegie and tofu salad :) Lovely brown rice tea!<br/>I imagine that I will definitely be going back here again.
Timothy Ng
Food portion was too small, Main courses are all tapas size, paid for $60 per head but not even half full
Foodies Baby
Service was too slow and portion were too small, food was ok but not worth for money
Carley Ludlow
Fantastic Japanese!. Rated best Japanese Restaurant in Victoria 2010 in the Restaurant and catering awards, this place is a little hidden gem! Outdoor garden, fantastic original menu with both the choice of Tapas style or traditional courses. Highly recommend the Sashimi Salad!
Brunny Girl
Great sushi. Favourite place for a quick lunch - great spicy salmon hand rolls. And only $2.50.
Jesspo
Amazing place - food is delectable, service is outstanding and the traditional Japanese decor is great. Don't sit upstairs though - gets far too hot. I also didn't think the banquet was value for money.
T
One of my favourites. I *love* this restaurant. A wonderfully original japanese menu, and *great* for vegetarians too. The seaweed salad is scrumptious. The staff are lovely - japanese surfer sorts! Love it. Highly recommended.
Zinnia Cheng
Good food and relexing atmosphere! Especially the Yellowtail salad and the wagu sushi are stunning!
Jess Liauw
This is one of the best Japanese I've ever had. Salmon and avocado was great, tempura flounder was ok, pork belly pie was so intense and duck breast was amazing! The plum sauce combined with orange sauce left me speechless. And the dessert was also great. Will definitely go back.
Sharyn Honey
Fresh and tasty jap with a twist. Wabi Sabi is not your average Japanese joint, and has a refreshing menu of fresh, light and slightly quirky dishes. Service is always fast and friendly too. It's a regular lunchtime haunt for our office, with a takeaway deal a ripper (two yummy rolls and a miso for $6).
Fujiko
Mmm. I hate illegal restaurant
Mme Ange
Japanese eatery wait staff who are actually Japanese? Priceless. Great warm sake and super cute bentos.
Food Angel
Great creative dishes. Reasonable prices. Good seasonal selections.
MEL: HOT OR NOT
What happens when you gather two bloggers together on a blind friend date? You get three cameras, two iphones and lots of chat about writing, coding and stats. But this post isn't about the first meeting of Miss Kish and Jetsetting Joyce - it's about the
SerendipitousK
You could do much worse than a visit to this quirky Japanese cafe who can lay claim to an amazing signature dish. I'd gladly eat just this - Wagyu Beef Sushi - mmmmm.
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