Orita's

Orita's Toorak Master chef & owner Hikaru Orita Design: Modern fusion interior, at least one private tradition tatami room. Pleasant atmosphere and not too noisy. Half tables white tab cloth, some exposed wood & granite long bench. There also was an outside eating area. Service: The waiting staff all seem fairly inexperienced. We were not offered the chefs recommendation, which we only found out about because we asked to hold onto the menu while we were waiting for the entree. Unfortunately none of the waiting staff were Japanese, which I think is always a pity given there are so many Japanese students in Melbourne that could fill this roll. Japanese waiting staff would also understand the menu better. Menu - English only Extensive traditional Japanese menu including wagyu beef, four kinds of Teriyaki, but no sushi other than California rolls except if you order the chef's selection. No sukiyaki. Organic vegetables grown by the owner. The menu also contained extensive information from the chef on his philosophy and a couple of reviews. Only by reading this material did we find out why he has chosen not to offer a range of sushi and sukiyaki. What we ate Entree Complimentary potato solid on a rice wafer. Sashimi salad - freshly sliced raw fish served on a bed of green leaves tossed in Japanese dressing. This large serve included excellent sweet fresh greens, fresh tuna and salmon that melts in mouth, matched well with dressing & thinly cut nori. Main Grilled prawn tep style - semi shelled fresh prawns grilled on iron hot plate server jap soya base sauce, accompanied with seasonal vegetables. Big size very beautiful tiger prawns (6 pieces) with mashed potato & mashed pumpkin. Reasonable pricing for the volume. Grilled duckling breast saikyoyaki - thinly sliced duck breast, marinated in trad miso paste from west region of Japan. Carefully grilled with topping of dark miso sauce, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Very nice duck and I am not normally a duck fan. Again great fresh sweet vegetables Steamed rice - oh dear, not even short grain Japanese style rice and to make matters worse it tasted poor quality. I understand from the chef's explanation in the menu that he wants to only use local ingredients, but it is normally possible to source Japanese style rice grown in Australia. Desert - tempura vanilla ice cream with mango & raspberry sauce. The combination of hot crispy batter and cold ice cream is very nice.

Opening Hours:

Address: 34 Jackson St, Toorak, 3142

Telephone: (03) 9826 2111

Web Site

Quality
Japanese Translation
Excellent Rates