Undoubtedly one of Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants, Hanabishi is an ultra-popular, casual lunchtime bistro and a sublime dining experience in the evening. Many excellent and unusual dishes adorn Akio Soga's menu, all of them beautifully presented, each one a textural delight. If you are lucky you may get to try the fresh wasabi, hand-grated at the table. Hanabishi is always crowded at lunchtime because the soothing atmosphere is just the thing after a hectic corporate morning. It's the impeccable hospitality, uncluttered lines, lots of warm dark wood, white and peacock blue walls… and then there's the food which is the star attraction. Akio Soga's cooking represents the best of Japanese cuisine – a blend of thoughtful aesthetics with seasonal ingredients, and a combination of tradition and courteous adventurousness. The bento boxes and the range of lunch sets are the common choice and no wonder, since they provide a full meal beautifully presented in red and black lacquered boxes.

Cuisine