Kenzan

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  7     

My partner and I went there for celebration. The food was good, as was the service.

May 06, 2012 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

This really is the best japanese restaurant in melbourne. It has been a monday night ritual for me and my friends for years.. Ask for the salmon cones, they are not on the menu but the owner will make them for you. They are amazing. Well worth a visit.

Jan 10, 2012 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

Cannot find fault with this place. Great service, nice ambience, amazing food. The beef sushi is especially delicious. Everytime I come to Melbourne, I must have dinner here at least once.

Mar 30, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  7     

My partner and I went there for anniversary celebration. The furniture was dated and since my partner has back problem, she felt uncomfortable to sit on the chair. The food was above average and so as the price. The sashimi and sushi was disappointing as it was not as fresh as I read other people's reviews to claim that their sashimi and sushi were the freshest. But the oysters were surprisingly delicious. The tempura was the highlight of the meal, it was cooked to perfection. I surprised my partner by buying a bouquet of flowers and a present and hand them to the waiters before my partner arrived. They were very helpful to keep it in a safe place for me. My partner just loved it. The service was excellent and the waiters were very polite and helpful. The overall experience was good and I would visit again in the future.

Mar 08, 2011 

3.8 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  1     

Disappointing food, even I can cook better then the kitchen, the quality of the sashimi is not even better than sushi. It somehow has the fishy smell which stinks.

Jun 02, 2010 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  9     

Kenzan is a hidden jewel on Collins Street. We had dinner here twice last week, and were very impressed with the quality of the restaurant.

Despite large numbers of patrons, staff were friendly and calm, and food was served promptly and beautifully. The quality of the fish used is exceptional, and the texture of the tuna and salmon nigiri sushi buttery and smooth. The maki rolls were expertly crafted, particularly the ones rolled in flying fish roe. We felt the prices charged for the sushi/sashimi quite reasonable given the quality of the fish.

Mains were great (particularly the Wagyu beef, and stuffed shiitake mushrooms), but a little bit more Wagyu per serve would have been nice. It is true that the decor may be getting on in years, but its simplicity and elegance match the food nicely, and despite the crowds, we still felt we had privacy. Will definitely return when we visit Melbourne next!

Oct 23, 2009 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  8     

The best sushi and sashimi ever!

Sep 30, 2009 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  9     

We went on a Saturday night and had a fantastic time. We decided to order mostly entrees as there were only two of us and we wanted to try more dishes. Highlights were the chef's selection of sushi, which included eel and swordfish sushi that melted in your mouth, also gyu beef was delicious, and tofu with sesame and mushroom sauce was refreshing. Tempura was probably just standard, and wagyu beef was just ok.

The desserts were definitely worth having, green tea tiramisu and berry rice mousse were both heavenly. Would have loved to order more food but we were too full! Atmosphere was nice and relaxed, family feel, I can see why people say it's a bit outdated, toilet could use an upgrade! but it's pleasant.

They had excellent service, waitresses were easy to call, food came quickly and well timed, not all at once, tea was always refilled, clean plates were given after each course and table was wiped clean regularly, waitresses were helpful with selection of dishes and even the owner came round mingling and serving. It was certainly pricey, but it was absolutely worth the experience to us, would definitely recommend it and definitely go back for more.

Jun 21, 2009 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

I went for dinner with some friends this weekend. I loved the food! We had some shared hot entrees and a large order of mixed sushi to share as a main. I loved every dish. Very fresh and well presented. Our entrees were the fried chicken and agadashi tofu. The complimentary edamame were tasty too.

Service was good, agree that the feel of the restaurant is a bit dated. I was told by my friends that the Japanese consulate in Melbourne often come here and now I know why. Would love to return the next time I visit.

May 17, 2009 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

This place was a bit of a revelation for me. I have known of it's existence for many years but had never got around to trying it. We went for dinner on a Monday night and was surprised to find that the place was quite busy.

The restaurant itself feels a bit dated but it is comfortable. The service is very attentive and professional. The food is the highlight. Really fresh and top quality sushi and sashimi and all the dishes we tried (a selection of entrees) were very well done and used beautiful ingredients.

It's not the cheapest Japanese restaurant going around but it is definitely up a level from the usual suburban Japanese fare. Definitely worth considering if you like Japanese food.

Apr 07, 2009