Looking for something new and refreshing in the CBD? Yokocho is the new kid on the Bourke Street. The venue is dishing up Japanese style street food (at CBD prices). The interior decor is exposed concrete chic. But for an after work bevy or casual date, head to the balcony this summer. The view features a leafy view of the Carlton Hotel.
We sampled a range of dishes including seasoned raw beef with egg yolk, yakitori, and tempura. Plus a giant sushi roll (a pretty presentation, but a dangerous proposition attempting to fit it into your mouth around polite company.) From this taste testing, two items emerged as our top menu picks – the sashimi and Sakura Collins cocktail. It’s hard to go wrong with sashimi slices. Pair that with the Sakura Collins – a drink packed with crushed ice, gin, lemon juice and garnished with flowers. The result is a fresh summer treat with a side of sunshine. The drinks menu also comes in a quirky DVD case. (And we’re taking bets on how fast those blank CDs inside will disappear…)
In true Melbourne style, where all good things are down a laneway, ‘yokocho’ translates to ‘alleyway.’ Although in reality, patrons will actually find the venue in an arcade and up an escalator on the first floor. Yokocho has its work cut out to carve a niche for itself, with numerous options for Asian flavours a stone’s throw away. But with the summer season coming into full swing, the casual outdoor balcony should serve this venue well.
– Jenny
Jenny S. is an event adventurer. When she’s not attending live shows, you can find her sampling the latest craft beer or sipping a creative cocktail.
Yokocho is now open at 101/200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
