Hanabishi - CBD, Melbourne

Hanabishi not only presents its guests with the finest seasonal ingredients and extensive range of premium wines, champagnes, and liqueurs, it also treats diners to traditional Japanese refreshments such as Sake and Shochy, and beverages. In addition Hanabishi caters to individual needs and requirements of its guests and therefore the menu generously includes choices for those who prefer Gluten Free or Vegetarian options.

Masahiko Iga, restaurant manager and sommelier listed one of our wines before Christmas (Soumah ‘Savarro’ 2010 from the Yarra Valley) and given our dinner booking was with members of the Soumah team it made sense to dine at Hanabishi. Our group was a party of six and none of us had dined there before. From the moment we arrived our gastronomic delights began. Masahiko very kindly offered to select the menu for us, showcasing some of the restaurants ‘best dishes’.

As we settled into the evening plate after plate was presented with an explanation of ingredients and flavours. The actual presentation of each dish was nothing short of art, whereby I regretted not having a camera to capture the images. As I later found out this was not necessary as images have been supplied by the restaurant.

Our dining experience un-folded in the order below:

Moriawase Sushi & Sashimi Platter

Scampi Sashimi with Yuzu Sauce

Fresh Scampi from New Zealand with Japanese Citrus called "Yuzu", Baby "Shiso" leaves (Japanese Herb) on top

Aburi Salmon Roll

Seared Salmon Sushi Roll

Sugiita-yaki

Oven grilled finely flavored Patagonian Tooth Fish with Shiitake mushroom wrapped in aromatic cedar wood

Barramundi Salt Kiln
Fresh water Barramundi with Yuzu citrus and bamboo leaf fragrance cooked in salt kiln.

Wagyu Japanese Steak
Quality grain fed Wagyu selected by specialists, presented as Japanese style steak. The accompanying sauce is made of soy sauce mixed with sake, mirin, garlic, fruit and sesame.

Kurobuta Tonkatsu
Premium pork (Kurobuta is Japanese pork) tenderloin crumbed and deep-fried, served with sweet and spicy sauce.

Hanabishi Homemade Dessert

Desserts are all homemade. Fresh ice creams are made with "Pacojet's" latest technology including; Ice Cream & Sorbet, Green Tea Crème brûlée, Almond Jelly, Coffee Blanc-Mange, Mango Mousse, Raspberry Mousse, Chocolate Cake

Sadly I had been over-indulgent with the dishes prior to dessert and was left watching and listening to what I was missing out on, and it was clearly something special! I will have to visit again with more restraint! I highly recommend you visit. The restaurant is open weekdays only for lunch between midday and 2:30pm and dinner between 6pm and 9:30pm.