The details are felt in the Tempura Hajime, which is a Japanese-style minimalist that can accommodate only 12 people. Each set of different styles from each guest's cutlery set is unique, and the oil paper under each tempura is quickly replaced.
The seemingly simple tempura is not simple, not just "fried". The details are in control of the time of the ingredients, the thickness of the bread, the crispy layer of the coat, the temperature of the oil temperature, and the indispensable! Perfect entrance to every coat and ingredients.
Have you ever eaten a prawn and really, really loved it? The prawn I had at Tempura Hajime was simply the best prawn I’ve ever eaten. It was flavoursome beyond words. This place is amazing. There’s no tempura like it in Melbourne. Sister restaurant Yu.u may have closed down but Tempura Hajime continues to fly the flag for amazing Japanese food. Just go.
Came here to celebrate my anniversary with my partner. We had tempura and sushi set. It was one of the most enjoyable dining experience. You get to watch the chef closely preparing your tempura in perfection. Tempuras were so fluffy, crunchy and clean taste. Sushi were really fresh and delicious as well.
Will I be back? Prob for next special event 😉
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
This is the place to experience authentic tempura omakase in Melbourne.
Food 5:
Like many small dining establishments in Japan that are family/owner operated, Tempura Hajime focuses on what they do best, and delivers consistent quality tempura omakase.
Forget about the over-battered deep fried junk food that leaves your mouth with unpleasant aftertaste, which is fairly common in Melbourne. Getting Tempura right is not an east feat.
If you want to experience what tempura is meant to be, visit Hajime. Each piece of the omakase has it's place, the ingredients were incredibly fresh - their flavours accentuated by the brief frying and batter. I was surprised at how skilful the chef - being a tempura chef - is at making nigiri.
While we can't compare them to the ones we've had in Japan, it's still very good, and a great inclusion to the omakase course for the price.
Ambience 5:
A beautiful, clean and comfortable 12-seat counter with clear view of the chef at work.
Service 5:
Attentive and pleasant table service throughout the whole course.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
We decided to visit here for a special anniversary. After reading about the multiple sushi and sashimi omakase’s and trying quite a number of them we decided that it’s time we gave this tempura place a go!
What we liked and didn’t like so much.
👍👍👍
• Seriously, get the sushi and tempura set. Its actually pretty good sushi, not the best but definitely above average and great value for money.
• The tempura surprised us, it was light, fluffy and delicious. We were never massive tempura lovers but this place opened us up to a whole new Japanese speciality that we’ll be looking to explore the next time we are in Japan.
• There are only 12 seats in the restaurant which provides a fantastic intimate experience. We enjoyed watching the chef prepare our tempura dishes and boy were they yummy!
👎👎👎
• It’s not cheap. If you’re looking to satisfy your Japanese Omakase cravings there are other options available within this price range which are arguably better bang for buck.
Would we come again?
You bet! It was on the pricey side but on a special occasion it’s definitely a wonderful, yummy and unique experience.
Beautiful tempura cooked to perfection. You'll realize that such a well known Japanese common dish is such an art on to itself. Good thing this place maintains the quality of cooking tempura.
My partner and I have been here countless of times (until the chef eventually recognises us) but we will never tire of the food here. The food is simply amazing. We always ordered the tempura and nigiri Omakase. The tempura batter is so light and the sushi is also divine. The service is also excellent, as they are very attentive to our needs. We have been there for lunch only once, as we feel that the experience at dinner was much better, even if it costs much more. You can count on us to come back here again.
I really loved the experience to have dinner in a small room with only 12 people and the chef doing the food in front of you. The food and the service were more than enough. I recommend to try it.
If you love tempura, you must come here to try it. Fresh cook in front of you, lightly battered with your own choice of traditional tempura sauce or lemon juice with pink salt. We had to say we haven’t had this kind of tempura for a long time. Sashimi and sushi are good as well.
An amazing meal. Light and airy tempura. Delicious sashimi. Amazing sake and sweet potato shochu. Attentive staff. Not much more you can ask for.
Impressive, always. It never disappoint. I still remember my first visit there back in 2009. The standard remains unchanged, both taste, presentation and visual. Recommend with no hesitation.
My first time at tempura place in Melbourne. Does not disappoint.
Staff are friendly and service is precise and detail oriented as one would expect.
Nice atmosphere.
Dining during covid means max of 8 patrons at each serving.
We went with the omakase + 🍣 which is good value for the extra $10.
Need to book in advance.
I felt very comfortable with dining here during covid.
Thanks Hajime for a good night out.
Love that this is a cosy restaurant with only seating for 12 people around the counter. Booking is essential. Set menu is only available for lunch.
Took a colleague there for lunch. We had the Sushi set and the Hajime Set. The sashimi was really fresh. Order the Hajime set if you want a bit of everything.
Portion size is just right and price is reasonable for its quality. Great ambience too.
If you like quality traditional Japanese food, you will enjoy the food here.
A wonderful experience! The service at lunch time was exceptional with freshly fried tempura, crispy and light without any oily taste accompanied by high quality sushi and sashimi. Carefully managed COVID safe environment allowed us to thoroughly enjoy ourselves having the tempura set and sashimi platter.
One of the best Japanese restaurant in Melbourne. The quality and atmosphere make me feel like I’m back in Japan. Lunch is very reasonable. But definitely I would recommend to try the dinner course meal. You will not regret.
Tempura Haijime has a solid reputation for being the best tempura bar in Melbourne - and for good reason too. Upon arrival at the restaurant, you will be greeted by incredibly friendly staff members, who will usher you into a waiting lounge, and help you be seated at a 12 seater bar. Given the size of the restaurant, it goes without saying that you must book in advance, and arrive on time (especially if you are going to the 530pm dinner sitting).
Throughout the meal, we watched the Chef make the tempura piece by piece. He was silent, calm and a pleasure to watch execute his craft. The tempura itself was excellent, with a killer batter recipe. The unagi, sweet potato, scallop tempura pieces were standouts for me. We ordered the $130 p/head course, which for the extra $10, was worth the additional sashimi items. Was it worth the price? Absolutely.
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or to be transported to Japan, this is a great choice.
Loved it here - only takes 12 guests at a time so book your visit!
At lunch they only serve Bento boxes which all look delicious. Can't wait to go back for dinner service
Nice food. Good environment. Friendly staff😘
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