Now Open: Yamagen, Where Craftsmanship, Connection And Curiosity Meet At The Bar
Coby Renkin
Commercial Content Producer
Craftsmanship, connection and curiosity aren't just aspirational values at Yamagen; they're at the core of every visitor's dining experience.
Tucked in Melbourne's Portland Lane, the Japanese restaurant officially opens today. Bringing a new take on traditional dining, Yamagen honours heritage, but carries an edge of rebellion, blending time-honoured knife work and robata cooking with the vibrant energy of Melbourne's CBD—dramatic lighting, handcrafted cocktails and unexpected flavours.
Leading the kitchen is Culinary Director Adam Lane, who having worked in hatted restaurants and Michelin-recognised kitchens (think Nobu and Tetsuya's) says "opening Yamagen in Melbourne feels like a natural evolution."
"This city has an incredible respect for food, technique and provenance, and that gives us the freedom to be both disciplined and expressive," he says.
Image credit: Yamagen | Supplied
Working with Lane is Head Chef Yosuke Hatnaka, a classically trained Japanese chef with decades of experience in omakase, sushi and robata. Diners can watch Hatnaka at work alongside Sous Chef Misaki Maniwa (formerly at Yugen Dining) at Yamagen's central bar, designed for live viewing of expert craftsman at work.
Image credit: Yamagen | Supplied
So, what's on the menu? We're so glad you asked. The Yamagen experience is all about refined flavours that still pack a punch. Sashimi snapper with truffled tosazu and yuzu sesame is set to turn heads at every table, but truthfully, the whole menu feels built on showstopping plates. Wagyu beef tenderloin with wasabi butter, spicy Queensland spanner crab with crispy rice and dry-aged duck breast with beetroot puree are all topping our to-taste list.
The drinks are just as enticing, with one of the city's largest rare whisky collections, dedicated sommeliers tending to a Victorian-heavy wine list and over 45 sake varieties.
Yamagen officially opens at 5:30pm, Tuesday, 17 February. Book your table here.
Main image credit: Yamagen | Supplied