After months of anticipation, I finally visited Minamishima and found myself in a true sushi heaven.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of dining at Minimashima. I have wanted to visit Minimashima for quite some time now, and with omakase being bubba's favourite dining experience, there was no question for me that this was the perfect restaurant to celebrate his birthday. In excitement of my lightbulb moment, I tried making a reservation so advanced in June, but had to wait until the beginning of July as they did not take bookings that early.
So when the day came to try arguably Melbourne's best sushi, I was beyond happy. And I can say that this place truly did not disappoint.
We arrived a little before our 6PM reservation in a little lane way in Richmond. Bub and I have a real love for finding hidden restaurant gems that are tucked away from the rest of the world. Before I even stepped one foot in the door, I had already fallen in love with the place. The modern architecture was aesthetic and clean; this theme was represented also in the food served.
It was almost, if not silent when you step inside. We were quickly greeted and seated by staff, joining others on the bar who were appreciating the art unfolding before them as Koichi Minamishima continued with preparation for the evening. The bar is definitely not a place to sit if you want to chatter away.
We were given complimentary Prosecco to begin our evening, and ordered two specials - the truffle and wagyu beef nigiri, and the Toro tartare. Our first course included some plump, lightly seared scallops. It was simple, yet full of understated elegance that the Japanese cuisine is well known for. It was light, refreshing and whet my appetite for some more.
Next came the toro tartare special. This was served with thinly sliced taro chips; providing a crisp texture opposted to the toro (fatty tuna). Together with the bursts of flavour from the caviar, this dish managed to shine and demonstrate an appreciation for the ingredients used.
Then, the nigiri-making process began. Each piece was a masterpiece in its own right. The quality of the produce could be tasted from the wasabi to each fish that was used. Watching Minamishima and Horiguchi work together in succinct harmony with minimal communication was wonderful. The attention to detail for each sushi served was nothing less than breath-taking; displaying their years' of experience in something so small. Each serving was well thought out, elegant and executed perfectly.
As we approached the end to our dining experience, we were served puffer fish soup. The piece of puffer fish (I think ?), was a little too tough and hard for my liking and was painful to eat. The broth itself was subtle but well seasoned.
The night concluded with a raindrop cake served with a rose water and strawberry syrup. As soon as it hit the table, I could not help but smile in the same manner during the nigiri. The simplicity in plating was again, beautiful. The syrup was refreshing and sweet, tying perfectly with the cake. The cake had been prepared perfectly, and dissolved once it hit the tongue.
Overall, the dining experience here at Minamishima is perhaps one of the best ones I have had. It is on the pricier end of things, but is nothing short of flawless. I would definitely recommend it for a special occasion with sushi-lovers. I cannot wait to go back one day, as I have no doubt the next time will be just (if not more) wonderful than this time.
We arrived a little before our 6PM reservation in a little lane way in Richmond. Bub and I have a real love for finding hidden restaurant gems that are tucked away from the rest of the world. Before I even stepped one foot in the door, I had already fallen in love with the place. The modern architecture was aesthetic and clean; this theme was represented also in the food served.
It was almost, if not silent when you step inside. We were quickly greeted and seated by staff, joining others on the bar who were appreciating the art unfolding before them as Koichi Minamishima continued with preparation for the evening. The bar is definitely not a place to sit if you want to chatter away.
We were given complimentary Prosecco to begin our evening, and ordered two specials - the truffle and wagyu beef nigiri, and the Toro tartare. Our first course included some plump, lightly seared scallops. It was simple, yet full of understated elegance that the Japanese cuisine is well known for. It was light, refreshing and whet my appetite for some more.
Next came the toro tartare special. This was served with thinly sliced taro chips; providing a crisp texture opposted to the toro (fatty tuna). Together with the bursts of flavour from the caviar, this dish managed to shine and demonstrate an appreciation for the ingredients used.
Then, the nigiri-making process began. Each piece was a masterpiece in its own right. The quality of the produce could be tasted from the wasabi to each fish that was used. Watching Minamishima and Horiguchi work together in succinct harmony with minimal communication was wonderful. The attention to detail for each sushi served was nothing less than breath-taking; displaying their years' of experience in something so small. Each serving was well thought out, elegant and executed perfectly.
As we approached the end to our dining experience, we were served puffer fish soup. The piece of puffer fish (I think ?), was a little too tough and hard for my liking and was painful to eat. The broth itself was subtle but well seasoned.
The night concluded with a raindrop cake served with a rose water and strawberry syrup. As soon as it hit the table, I could not help but smile in the same manner during the nigiri. The simplicity in plating was again, beautiful. The syrup was refreshing and sweet, tying perfectly with the cake. The cake had been prepared perfectly, and dissolved once it hit the tongue.
Overall, the dining experience here at Minamishima is perhaps one of the best ones I have had. It is on the pricier end of things, but is nothing short of flawless. I would definitely recommend it for a special occasion with sushi-lovers. I cannot wait to go back one day, as I have no doubt the next time will be just (if not more) wonderful than this time.
Minamishima
A: 4 Lord St, Richmond VIC 3121
Ph: (03) 9429 5180