Yoyogi - Melbourne

I've found that having a convenient CBD location could possibly hurt you more than help you if you're a restaurant like Yoyogi. Why? Competition. When you're su... read more I've found that having a convenient CBD location could possibly hurt you more than help you if you're a restaurant like Yoyogi. Why? Competition. When you're surrounded by other Japanese restaurants, it becomes harder to compete especially when a better tasting option could be just around the corner. Ambiance: It's pretty crowded and cramped, with that generic colourful Asian cafe look. I really hope you know what I'm talking about otherwise I'm going to look really dumb. Customer Service: Pretty good. The food came out at a respectful time and the service was decently friendly and attentive. Food: Their menu has an okay variety, but they could definitely work on more bentos. I ordered Chicken Katsu (with rice and miso soup) and Gyoza. The Gyoza was decently well cooked, but I wasn't too fond of the filling they add in a bit too much veggies instead of meat. The Chicken Katsu was alright, a bit rough though. Overall, the food wasn't amazing. It could be a lot better though. There are plenty of other Japanese places in the CBD, so unfortunately I probably won't be coming here again. NOTES: They had mains, but also takeaway hand rolls out front.

How on earth can you screw up something as simple as sashimi? All you need to do is buy fresh, quality fish, slice it up, whack it onto a bed of shredded vegeta... read more How on earth can you screw up something as simple as sashimi? All you need to do is buy fresh, quality fish, slice it up, whack it onto a bed of shredded vegetables and serve with some good soy and wasabi. But somehow, Yoyogi couldn't get this right. Don't get me wrong the fish was fresh. I'm not accusing anyone of spreading food poisoning here. It just tasted like it had been farmed in bath water. Save it with the wasabi, you say? I tried, but no matter how much I added, the wasabi just didn't have any kick. How?! It's not all bad Yoyogi are cheap and in a central location, and I've had other meals before that have been perfectly fine for the type of in and out cafe that it is. But I'll never again touch the seafood.

If it wasn't for the service it'll be a one star, Everything was pretty bland .... like cardboard bland. Eat: udon, crab croquettes, chicken skewers and tempura... read more If it wasn't for the service it'll be a one star, Everything was pretty bland .... like cardboard bland. Eat: udon, crab croquettes, chicken skewers and tempura veggies Maybe I ate the wrong things but wouldn't go there again, Japanese restaurant owned by Chinese didn't work out

I wouldn't have known this place if it wasn't for my brother. Yoyogi has been a special place for him during his uni days and he finally took me here for a quic... read more I wouldn't have known this place if it wasn't for my brother. Yoyogi has been a special place for him during his uni days and he finally took me here for a quick lunch after we strolled around Melbourne CBD. The restaurant itself is quite spacious with two levels of seating areas. In terms of interior, it's not the kind of place that gets hipster excited about; it was quite unassuming and basic. However, what they lack in ambiance, they made it up with tasty wide arrays of a Japanese comfort fare. We sampled and shared: Teriyaki beef bowl: The bowl may be deceivingly small, but it was packed with rice and meat!! The beef was so tender and doused in a good amount of teriyaki sauce; surprisingly tasty and not that salty. Overall, eating warm rice with delicious teriyaki beef altogether was highly satisfying. Karaage tempura: The fried appetizers of karaage and tempura were just alright. It has great crispy texture, but the seasoning was a bit lacking. Okonomiyaki: Utterly delicious!! Savory pancake, pan fried to crispy edges and doused with kewpie and okonomiyaki sauce. It was probably not the most authentic okonomiyaki, but I still enjoyed it to the very last bite. Beside the main food, they also have sushi rolls to go sold at the restaurant entrance. The pricing here is dead cheap for Melbourne standard, $12-$15 per dish. Quick, plentiful and inexpensive, at the end of our meal, we were all completely full and belly-satisfied.

Really enjoyed my ramen! It's a small shop, I could see it getting crowded if it was busy. Not the largest selection, but it really was lovely food. I was more... read more Really enjoyed my ramen! It's a small shop, I could see it getting crowded if it was busy. Not the largest selection, but it really was lovely food. I was more looking for sushi/a train when I came across it, but enjoyed a quick stop for dinner. Extra points for the staff being really nice and the meals quite cheap!