Phone 03 9639 7073
Yu-U is the kind of place that does so well in Melbourne. First, it’s hard to find. The signage next to the door is the size of a postage stamp. Secondly, it runs off a Melbourne laneway – which is oh so cool these days. And thirdly – as you heave open the heavy rusty metal door and descend the dark concrete stairway, you are enveloped by a dark moody basement, slick with stainless steel, dark wood, polished concrete, clever lighting and a delicious smoky haze created by the yakitori grill.
Prime seating revolves around said grill; comfortable blue velour chairs and a long low bench gives you direct interaction with the cooking, fanning and basting of the little skewers. I am salivating and I haven’t even read the menu yet.
There is a minimum charge of $30 per head at night, which is not too hard to do with the plethora of small plates available. A Chef’s recommended course can be had for $43 per person, but don’t ask the wait staff what is on the menu as they’re unlikely to know.
My first choice was the Buri Sashimi; thick slices of fresh kingfish sitting atop of a pile of blanched spinach. The kingfish was firm and fresh and offered a great mouthfeel, the pearlescence of the skin a real delight for the eyes too. I partnered this with Asazuke, a cold salad of pickled cabbage, carrot, cucumber and seaweed. A heavy sprinkle of togarashi really made this one pop.
I didn’t order this dish – but doesn’t it look divine? Mushidori was sake steamed tender chicken slices topped with a leek dressing and shaved cucumber. It was served cold on a bed of juicy tomato slices.
Next was an item off the grill, yaki onigiri. Considered somewhat of pub snack in Japan, yaki onigiri is a charcoal grilled rice triangle/ball, sweet and salty on the outside due to a baste of a sweet soy flavoured sauce. The rice toasts on the outer giving crunchy goodness, whilst the inside remains soft and glutinous.
My last hot dish was Nasu Hasamiage, deep fried eggplant with minced chicken. Basically it was an egg-dipped deep-fried eggplant sandwich, containing a layer of seasoned minced chicken. Garnished with grated white radish and a very light sauce, it was quite the dish. Delish.
The finale (and how can one not?) was a scoop each of maccha and goma ice cream; green tea and black sesame respectively. The black sesame was particularly good – not too sweet with honeyed halva overtones.
Service at Yu-U can be somewhat haphazard; attentive with the water jug to the extreme, yet lacking in menu knowledge and non-anticipatory re: ordering and asking for the bill. My other gripe was the mood destroying music, both in volume and style. I don’t quite know what the style was – it reminded me of twee 1960s elevator music. It was just so at odds with the vibe.
But I like it. It’s a great space, and the food is clean, simple, fresh and funky.
Yu-u’s great isn’t it – must get back there soon. These must be the first publshe pictures inside as they refuse entry to photographers from The Good food guide and the newspapers!
Hi there Ed – well, I guess being an amateur has its advantages
I didn’t hide the fact I was taking photos, but no one pulled me up on it. But when I visit a restaurant, I usually don’t take big gear – just a point and shoot digital. Not looking “the business” helps.
But it is a great venue worthy of a photograph. The yakitori chef with that sexy lighting absolutely rocked.
I agree with your sysopsis Mel. Yu-U was very cool and very Melbourne with sublime food. Definately scope for improvement in music choice and waitstaff food knowledge but overall a winner.
The Mushidori was smooth and understated,yet hit all the right flavour notes. My choice for dish of the night was the Wagyu Beef with Teriyaki sauce from the special menu though, so good that when I had it in my mouth my head left the conversation and could concerntrate only on the tasty meltingly tender morsels.
Hi Anita. Oh yes, I forgot about that gorgeous looking wagyu beef rolled around spring onions, and dressed in teriyaki. I should have taken a photo of that too – it looked absolutely heavenly (…and by your expression, tasted absolutely heavenly too!)
Great looking place and the food matches the sophistication. Love to try the yaki onigiri….I’m a pub snack kinda guy. I’d be up for the Nasu Hasamiage as well.
Hiya Neil – I can highly recommend the yaki onigiri. They are sweet/salty on the outside, and lusciously ricey on the inside. A pub snack can’t be beat!
And the eggplant was divine too. But then, I can never really go past an eggplant dish.
i love the food at Yu-U. I haven’t tried most of the things here but can tell you that the cold chicken dish is divine.
Do they prepare bento boxes or food that is usually seen at Japanese restaurants? i.e Katsu don, curry, sukiyaki?
Also…what are the prices like for mains?
Thanks
Hey …for who made the stars – Yu-U is not really like a Japanese diner/cafe, so there is no katsu/curry don or bento boxes are available. It is definitely more like a restaurant, and expect a restaurant price tag.
They generally do a lunch set (around $15 from memory), which changes daily. If you want to go you will need to book, as the place is quite popular and only seats a small number of people. Also, there are two sittings for lunch only. I would suggest being on time too
Mains hover around the $20-$30 mark, depending on what you choose. Of course plates are good for sharing, so you can spread three dishes out for four.
Hope you enjoy it!
Hey that’s my next door neighbor, looking forward to eating his soba.
Hey anon – your next door neighbour!!?? Dang…I’d be sending for room service every night!
You should tryout Porgie and Mr Jones @ 291 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn if you haven’t. Its really Yummmm
Thanks for that Vanessa. If I’m ever down that way I’ll check it out. I’ve heard some good things about it already!
Hi! Mellie, I went to Yu-u yesterday but couldn’t find it
Have to try again next week, though.
Yeah – it’s not an easy place to find. The entrance (a very rusty looking door) is on the cnr of Oliver Lane, and you’ll step down into Yu-U to the basement.
Thanks Mellie, I went there today during lunch time and it ‘s great!
Glad you enjoyed it nutmeg
I went about six months ago, and had a somewhat mediocre lunch. But I believe they’ve had a change of chef?!?
Yu-U absolutely rocked when Daisuke-san (now of Tempura Hajime) used to own it a few years ago. Back then, his speciality was soba, and it was soo soo gooood.
Great article, a big help with the little crusade I’m on!
I’m looking for a nice, decently-priced Japanese place to take my girlfriend out to dinner, and Yu-U sounds fantastic. Hopefully everything will be lovely.
Hi Noamuth – good luck with your mission
As well as Yu-U, I would also highly recommend Horoki, which is a great date place, especially if you want to try some rather inventive and original Japanese/Italian fusion (…yes, it works!).
Went to Yu-U last night for dinner. Thoroughly enjoyable. We planned to go there for the yakitori, but while the yakitori was good, some of the other dishes were a lot more impressive. The wagyu beef wrapped spring onion in teriyaki sauce and the braised pork with mirin and melted cheese were both melt-in-your-mouth fantastic!
Your blog is great btw.
Hi dm – glad you enjoyed Yu-u. Yes, the wagyu with spring onion is absolutely delicious, but I am yet to try the braised pork. Hmm…I’ll put that one on the list for next time.
Thanks for reading the blog too!
Can anyone let me know if there’s many vegetarian or fish options available. I have booked in for next Monday but forgot to ask the staff…
Thanks!
Hi Sally-anne – yes, there are lots of fish/vegetarian options. That’s the good thing about Japanese cuisine
Hope you enjoy.
Yaki onigiri is considered shokuji not otsumami (pub snack). It is funny to order something else after you have eaten it.
pity they really restrict 6 people booking. you cant do 7… even if u beg them. any suggestions in getting 7/8 people together in that restaurant? how big is the private room?
Hey jack – from memory they have two horigotatsu rooms (ie. with sunken areas below the dining table) that seats 6 or 8. So you should be right with that one.
Sure the music vibe is a little jarring… but it’s VERY Japanese. Something about Jazz = Class in restaurant seems to be everywhere over there. I could honestly forget I was in Melbourne whilst eating here, plus it’s one of the select few Japanese restaurants in Melbourne where you can actually talk to the staff in Japanese!