Yu-U Japanese Restaurant Yu-U Japanese Restaurant

Yu-U is definitely one of my favourite Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. It ticks all boxes in the hip, trendy and gastronomically satisfying categories; for starters, it's hard to find. Once you find the red door with graffiti all over it, you will then see a small sign indicating that you've found this hidden treasure off a Melbourne laneway.

Gather your strength to push open the heavy rusty metal door and descend down the shiny wooden floorboards into this New York-style eatery. Slick stainless steel, dark polished wood and concrete, dim lighting that is far from blurry creates a warm and enticing mood into your Japanese dining haven.

Owner Yoshiki Tana and Miho Nakao, both from their native Japan, have created a traditional yet modern concept to Japanese dining. This modern basement space oozes class and sophistication with Yu-U's chef Yoshiki Tano offering a clear view over the counter where the handmade soba noodles are created. Traditional touches are clearly evident from Yu-U's hardwood floors to the impressive presentation of each dish.

Take your prime seat in one of the comfortable blue velour chairs at the U-shaped bar. The ambient music provides a relaxing atmosphere for a unique dining experience. The menu is modern Japanese, including fresh sashimi and oh-so-tender Wagyu beef with teriyaki sauce.

The minimum charge of $30 per head at night is not hard to accumulate with a plethora of small plates available. A Chef's recommended course can be had for $50 per person, which works like a mystery flight - leave it all to Chef Yoshiki to please with precise presentation and a myriad of unique and satisfying flavours.

My first visit to Yu-U many years ago was a real treat. Their set lunches ($16 per person) which daily. Simply pick up a timetable or phone the restaurant for the day's menu. Each day the main menu item includes the likes of either curry beef, teriyaki salmon, beef pattie, and many other delicious dishes, with the addition of homemade Buckwheat noodles, some pickled vegetables, miso, a pot of Japanese tea with toasted rice and a piece of fruit. This is the perfect school lunch in an urbane, well-designed underground space. Itadakimasu!

Review By Monica

Yu-U

Yu-U Japanese Restaurant
137 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9639 7073

Open: Monday to Friday 12pm-2.15pm; Monday to Saturday 6pm-9.30pm
Licensed. Wine available by the glass.

Bookings highly recommended.
Maximum booking: six people.

❊ Address ❊

 ℅ Naarm
 ⊜  137 Flinders Lane Melbourne 3000 View Map
 ✆ Telephone: 03 9639 7073

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Yu-U Japanese Restaurant 

➼ Review By Monica

❊ Also See... ❊

➼ Yu-U Japanese Restaurant






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