Restaurant Reviews

Kenzan: Restaurant review

Address

Collins Place
56 Flinders La
Melbourne, VIC

Hours

Lunch Mon-Fri noon-2.15pm
Dinner Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm

Prices

E $15-$25
M $38-$45
D $11

REVIEW

Kenzan has deservedly been on every "where to eat good Japanese food in Melbourne" list for decades now. Seats at the sushi bar are scarce because the quality of the seafood and the consistency of the knife skills on display have earned it a fiercely committed following. The dining room with its timber furniture and screened-off tatami rooms offers a masterclass in  finessed Aussie-Japanese eating where the high standard of the tsukemono pickles and benchmark chawanmushi is matched by the delicacy of the tempura batter, the grillwork on the miso-marinated butterfish and the marbling on slices of beef for the sukiyaki. The drinks menu, like the larger picture, is genteel and considered - with a solid list of well-annotated sake alongside familiar beer and wine labels. Waiters keep glasses filled and plates cleared with maximum efficiency and minimum fuss. Kenzan is not just consistent, but consistently good. Put it on your list.
Phone:
(03) 9654 8933
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
  • Licensed
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Private room
  • Impressive Wine List
Accepted card types:
  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Eftpos
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
Chef(s):
Koichi Takeuchi & Kaname Komatsu
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.