Uminono

Twelve-seat sushi counter delivers impressive daytime dining.

November 18, 2024

2 / 7Inside the tiny omakase and chirashi bar.Eddie Jim

5 / 7Spanner crab, confit potato and sabayon.Eddie Jim.

15.5/20

Japanese$$$

Arnaud Laidebeur’s affinity with seafood makes Uminono stand out amid Melbourne’s booming omakase scene. Honouring the traditional horseshoe bar set-up, his bright off-Chapel restaurant dispenses 12 magnificent courses.

A cup of dashi boasts incredible depth, while dry-ageing coaxes the best from New Zealand king salmon nigiri. A light flaming brings out alfonsino’s exquisite flavour, and tuna tsukune with miso egg sauce hits all the comfort receptors. Melbourne’s most indulgent pitstop can be found here too.

A $70 chirashi bowl holds seven types of stunning sashimi: Hokkaido scallop, snapper and paradise prawn among them. Uminono is only open by day, a measure designed to support the staff’s work-life balance.

Toast to that from a list covering sake, French wine and drops delivered by Coravin that bring democratic pleasure to a luxury lunch.