Misuzu's

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 113

This busy cafe is a true modern Australian village eatery. It's original style of rustic Japanese cum Brunswick Street casual, and blend of Japanese inspired contemporary Australian food, has drawn the crowds since the day it opened four years ago. Irreverent murals dominating the walls feature Misuzu, chef and co-owner (with Warwick Lobb), depicting the rise of female power in contemporary Japan. No matter what time of day or night, Misuzu's wooden benches and laminex tables are always crowded and the takeaway pack cram the sushi bar to check out the innovative daily specials. Misuzu's is so user friendly, that due to demand it has spilled over in the next door shop and on to the pavement. (*this has yielded some complaints in the service).

Misuzu's consuming passion is best demonstrated in the culinary den upstairs. Each night she performs a labour of love in the kitchen for the special menu she has created to match the more sophisticated and serene, yet still informal, mood upstairs. Red is the dominant colour in the eclectic mix of decor - wild mural, Asian lanterns, contemporary red, green and black striped tables decorated with traditional vases of single red rosebuds. The small, enticing menu of ten entrees and eight main dishes changes regularly and includes nightly specials. The highlight is the special sushi platter. Complimentary appetizers are offered here such as miniature sashimi of aubergine in miso with an accompanying shot of vodka and mango. Great care is taken with each stage of preparation, explanation and presentation of the food.

7 Victoria Avenue
Albert Park
Japanese Cuisine
Melways reference 2J:K7
Phone: 9699 9022
Opening hours: 7 days Lunch: 12 noon-3pm sushi bar 12 noon-10.30pm Dinner: 5.30-10pm
Licensed
Accepts credit cards
Seats Inside: 250
Features: Kids encouraged, private rooms seat 60 and 100
Favourites: Misuzu's speciality sashimi entree $13.50, Seafood gohan - wok fried borwn and wild rice tossed with fresh seafood and shellfish $22