REVIEW
The quiet, spot-lit room may look spartan at first, but subtle luxury is writ large at Minamishima. It’s there in the smoothness of the American oak counter; the thin stems of the glassware; the solicitousness of the skinny-tied waitstaff, who top waters up at the slightest of sips. Even in the kitchen door’s near-silent glide and, yes, the treasures that come from behind it: impossibly delicate chawanmushi, say, or buttery kerchiefs of Kagoshima wagyu beef. The 10 or so pieces of sushi are the real draw, though, of a quality that can leave you breathless. A bluefin belly temaki laden with sea grapes makes a strong case for over-the-top indulgence, while torched Spanish mackerel nigiri is a study in delicate complexity, brushed in Japanese olive oil and sprinkled with seaweed salt. The pricey omakase tide may be rising in Melbourne, but this one occupies a level all its own.
ABOUT
Minamishima
Japanese
4 Lord St, Richmond
(03) 9429 5180
Chefs Koichi Minamishima & Yoshiki Tano
Price guide $$$$
Bookings Essential
Wheelchair access Yes
Open Dinner Tue-Sat
This review was written independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way. To learn more about the process, head over here.
Gourmet Traveller Annual Restaurant Guide
Our guide gives a yearly snapshot of the best restaurants to eat at right now. The best-rated restaurants, as judged by the reviewers’ first-hand experience, form our national guide.
