Yokocho
101/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
03 9663 7790
Contemporary, Japanese
$$$
Food
- Yakitori Skewers
- Pork
- Chicken & Leek
- Pork & Asparagus
- Tsukune
- Spicy Tacos
- Pork Katsu
- Seafood Hot Pot
- Matcha Cheese Cake
- Banana Toast
The Good
It was off to a great start with a variety of Yakitori Skewers. Exhibiting a nice charred outer, the skewers were fragrant and beautifully presented. Our favourite was the Tsukune, which was incredibly tender and juicy and well matched with a sip of raw egg yolk. Just a classic combination that was so appetising and delicious.
The Spicy Tacos were also enjoyable. The outer shell was incredibly crispy and crunchy. Within, the cubes of tender sashimi were heavily dressed with a spicy mayo and topped with plenty of jalapeños. With plenty of textural diversity, this is the dish to get for spice lovers that like to give their tastebuds a bit of a kick!
Another favourite of ours was the Pork Katsu. The pork cutlet was meaty and tender, with just the right amount of crumbing that was fried to a coarse crunchy crisp. Served alongside was of course the signature combination of scrambled egg as well as a helping of jasmine rice.
We also enjoyed their special of the day, the Seafood Hot Pot. Boiled in a fragrant pork broth, the seafood was plentiful and provided plenty of flavour. Served piping hot and mixed with plenty of veggies, the flavoursome broth and generous helping of seafood made for a warm and hearty feed when eaten with a bowl of udon.
Yokocho certainly saved the best till last. Their Matcha Cheesecake was simply sensational. The top layer was thick and creamy with a pleasant cheesy flavour. Underneath sat the matcha cake, which was spongy and incredibly soft. Well balanced in sweetness and exhibiting a lovely matcha flavour, the dessert was well accompanied by additional matcha powder and two generous helpings of creamy matcha ice cream. Just perfect.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Having recently opened, Yokocho is an on-trend modern Japanese eatery with an experienced, globe-trotting head chef dishing up some impressive dishes. It was overall an affordable yet refined experience, though while not overly memorable, the meal was definitely an enjoyable one.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Definitely. Can’t wait to be back for more Yakitori and Cheesecake!
Penguineats would like to thank Yokocho for inviting us.