Shakahari

Ph: (03) 9347 3848; 201 Faraday St, CARLTON 3053 www.shakahari.com.au

vegetarian, $, * for Food & Ambience
Open mon-sat noon-3pm mon-Thu 6-9.30pm fri-sat 6-10pm, Closed Major public holidays; Licensed; AE DC MC V
Chef Beh Kim Un & Beh Hang Noe (7-11-07) Owner John Dunham, Beh Kim Un & Ma Kim Poay (7-11-07)

Mietta's Review
Long standing vegetarian restaurant with a fairly small, but high quality menu. Not specific to any one cuisine (other than, of course, vegetarian), Shakahari serves everything from Japanese to Italian influenced dishes. A largish and good wine list with many choices by the glass. Options for indoor and outdoor seating. Warm and comforting ambience.

Other published opinions

The Age Cheap Eats 2008 "All hail the queen of vegetarian restaurants that's been putting the bang in the vego buck since 1977"

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 13/20 "The colours of a spice market draw diners from an unassuming cottage-front entry along a chillired hallway and into the minimalist curry-andturmeric tones of this longstanding vegetarian landmark"

The Age Cheap Eats 2007 "Melbourne's doyen of vegetarian fare is starting to nudge itself out of the Cheap Eats' budget, but it's still the place to convert your carnivorous friends."

The Age Cheap Eats 2006 Since 1977, Shakahari has been introducing diners to a craftier, more finessed world of vegetarianism, by combining unusual tastes and textures to often thrilling effect.

The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 13/20 "When it opened in 1977, Shakahari was a refuge for vegetarians seeking to feast rather than fast when they went out. But these days it feels somewhat less like a sanctuary. Dining rooms once described as warm-hued now feel obtrusively bright and devoid of atmosphere; staff appear to be merely going through the motions and nobody seems to be having much fun."

The Age Good Food Guide 2005 score 14/20 "THIS warm-hued Carlton sanctuary remains the vegetarian restaurant by which all others are judged. More than 30 years young, it's still crafting refined dishes by combining rarely partnered ingredients and cuisines."

The Age Cheap Eats 2005 "INSIDE this discreet Carlton terrace is a temple of vegetable worship. Walls painted tomato and mustard, Asian artefacts and timber fittings instantly relax acolytes but the menu springs some surprises."

The Age Cheap Eats 2004 "MEAT-EATING gourmands start to get shaky if a culinary destination suggests tofu or herbal hotpots, and break out in a cold sweat if the word 'vegan' is uttered. Never fear; they'll be safe within the satay-coloured walls of this full-tote vegetarian temple."

The Age Cheap Eats 2004

Age A2 Thomas Hunter 27/11/04 "For 32 years, this Canton landmark has been serving its committed and creative vegetarian food to Melburnians. In fact, if vegetarian food in Melbourne has a spiritual home, it's here. It has only changed hands once since opening, when current chef Beh Kim Un (also of Madam Fang) bought into the business in 1980."

The Foodies' Guide 2004, Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'For over 20 years,Shakahari has offered amazing vegetarian food with a strong Asian influence,so expect culinary wonders from the masters of the trade.'

AGFG 2004, score 14/20, wide selection of vegetarian dishes, two courses for $25 or less

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, Good vegetarian options,'an elegant and stylish restaurant...the warm, welcoming cottage-style restaurant has a flexible menu dotted with signature dishes...Service is friendly and the wine list offers excellent value.'

Herald Sun, citystyle, 27/1/04, Flip Shelton,'It's the original and the best fine dining veg restaurant. An experience recommended by everyone'

The Age, Food & Wine 18-19/4/2003, Easter Edition, Thomas Hunter

Herald Sun, Weekend, Eat, Bob Hart, 20/7/02