Melbourne CBD has welcomed a new Japanese restaurant just in time for the holiday season. Yokocho, located in the historic Mid City Arcade on Bourke Street, will be reimagining Tokyo’s unique street culture with a design that’s minimal on interior, big on atmosphere with a reflection of the laneways made famous by the Japanese capital’s lively salarymen.
Kevin Pak from 24 hour ramen diner Menya Sandaime co-owns the new venture with Benny Lui and Khoa Le, all three aiming for a real lively spot which showcases the forever-loved combination of sushi, sashimi, yakitori and tempura. Of course, there’s also a curated list of sake, spirits, wine, beer and cocktails as well as express bento options and a variety of share plates.
“We chose this venue as it brings back a lot of memories in Mid City Arcade, where in my younger years I used to watch Asian movies and hangout at the old Red Silks balcony,” said Lui. “As you peer down the walkway of Mid City it does give you that illusion that you are in a Tokyo alley [and] I believe that Melbourne sorely needed a place like this.”
The venue, which seats around 80-90 patrons, includes a massive outdoor terrace overlooking Bourke Street, which should make it an ideal spot for any summer holiday sessions.
Yokocho
Address: 101, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Website: www.yokocho.com.au
Hours: 7 days; 11:30am-late
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