Restaurants

This Undiscovered Japanese Yakiniku In Melbourne’s South-East Should Be At The Top Of Your Hit List

By Kate Fleming
26th Apr 2021

An opulent Japanese diner dimly-lit by warm lighting and wooden surroundings.

Marble Yakiniku is one of the truest definitions of hidden gems in Melbourne. Taking design inspiration from traditional Japanese tea houses and foodie inspo from bento boxes, this culinary marvel in the city’s south-east should be on the hitlist of anyone who has a penchant for Japanese cuisine.

The menu is full of all your favourites, with tempura plates, sashimi, udon, Japanese rice, and deluxe wagyu platters served on wooden boards and in special wooden bento boxes. You just need to take a glimpse at their Instagram to see how gorgeous these dishes are. The wagyu is where it’s at though, they use only cuts sourced locally with an M9 score—the highest grade available for Australian produce—as well as wagyu sourced from various regions in Japan coming in at a grading of A5, the highest international marble grading. 

A grill cooking high-grade wagyu steak.

Yakiniku is a form of Japanese barbecue that involves grilling high-quality ingredients at the tableside. So you can probably tell from the name, these folks specialise in barbecued steaks. Yakiniku brings out all the natural flavours and textures of wagyu, so it’s the ideal way to enjoy these quality cuts. You’ll get to oversee the artistry in action at your table before tucking in and savouring what’s in front of you. 

The food pairs perfectly with their range of genuine Japanese sakes on offer. Boasting some of the best in the world, this restaurant might just be the place to go for sake lovers in Melbourne.

As for the restaurant fit-out, it’s like something straight out of Tokyo. The timber walls and screens are reminiscent of traditional tea houses, and the lanterns hanging from the ceiling give the whole place a welcoming, yet subtle glow. They also have a stunning private dining room that you can book for groups and special events. 

Marble Yakiniku is open Wednesday to Monday for lunch and dinner sessions. Bookings are highly recommended.

Check out more suburban wonders just a stone’s throw from the city here.

Image credit: supplied

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