kumo izakaya & sake bar

1405 and I work a lot. So, this is the reason we go to omakase experiences on a weeknight, during a heatwave, because we work a lot and we goddamn deserve it.

Kumo is a Japanese restaurant on Lygon Street, with lofty ceilings, a tasteful mix of artwork, industrial ironwork throughout and an original but modern Japanese essence. There is something old school about the izakaya experience - sake paired with clean flavours, in a setting which is sophisticated but never pretentious, accessible but otherwordly at the same time.

On this hot night, 1405 and I were not super hungry... So we decided on the 6-course omakase menu. Omakase is the original "feed me" menu. The chef selects those dishes that best represent his skills and seasonal produce, and you have no choice in the matter. This is a kind of liberation - simply choose your sake and let the magic happen before your eyes.

Wagyu beef tataki with ponzu

Assorted sashimi platter

This sashimi platter was just amazingly good. Fusion sauces with citrus and green chillies really hit the spot. Coriander on kingfish was perfect.

Garlic soy karaage chicken

Vegetable sharing plate: spinach, pumpkin, lotus root and pickled daikon

 Loved the lotus root, great crunchiness in the daikon too.

Fried eggplant dengaku with pinenut and walnut miso

Grilled salmon with citrus miso sauce and pink ginger shoots

Not pictured:
Edamame served with warm Murray River pink salt flakes
Crunchy chicken skin cracker dusted with shichimi salt

The food was immaculately presented, the flavours were on point and we couldn't fault the service.