Chef’s guide: Where to eat and drink in Southbank
From the best spot for a grass-fed steak to a black sesame cake — Ishizuka head chef Hitoshi Miyazawa shows you where to go to eat and drink like a local in Southbank.
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Workshop Brothers
A fantastic little cafe in Southbank, but can be hard to find as it’s tucked away from the main strip. Exceptional service, really good food and the team are serious about their coffee — the rotating single origin is always a highlight. My favourite dish is the slow-cooked beef cheek, served on a croissant with pickled red cabbage, Asian herbs, pear, bearnaise and a poached egg.
2 Riverside Quay
Asado
A great place for a steak — I like the grass-fed eye fillet. Very different flavours to how we prepare beef at Ishizuka! There is always a very lively atmosphere, too.
6 Riverside Quay
Spice Temple
When I’m gathering with friends, I love having yum cha at Spice Temple. If I’m going by myself, I like to drop in for a beer and a plate of their special fried chicken wings with dried chillies and Sichuan peppers.
8 Whiteman St
Kenzan
On my day off, I like going for dinner at Kenzan and sitting at the counter to enjoy sushi omakase. The sushi chef selects the freshest fish and makes each piece for you one by one until you are full. Kenzan has a comfortable ambience — the chefs are always friendly and it’s nice to have a chat with the Japanese staff.
Collins Place, 45 Collins St, Melbourne
The Crux & Co.
Time for something sweet! The Crux & Co is a cafe and perfect for brunch. The head chef is Japanese, so sometimes their cakes have Japanese flavours, such as black sesame cake with mandarin, yuzu, yokan jelly and sesame shortbread. The contemporary design concept matches perfectly with the food.
G01, 25 Albert Rd, Melbourne
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Trattoria Emilia
Hidden in a laneway, it’s a fun journey to find this Italian restaurant, reminding me of being back in Japan. If I can’t decide what to order, the tasting menu is always a good option, or if I feel like something lighter, I’m always happy to share salumi and gnocco fritto with friends.
360 Lt Collins St, Melbourne
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