For an authentic Tokyo drift with some va-va-voom, this modern Japanese eatery in St Kilda zooms ahead with accomplished head chef Atsushi Kawakami in the driver's seat. The sister restaurant to Collingwood's popular Wabi Sabi Salon, Wabi Sabi Garden has a grander scope, encapsulating unique culinary creations and simpler favourites.
The modern fit-out lets in lots of natural light and offers groups ample room to congregate at the communal tables or outside in the traditional bamboo and pebble garden courtyard. Groups can tuck into the exciting range of smaller shareable items, including sushi, sashimi and scallops, and generous main portions like flounder and vegetable tempura, grilled blue eye with teriyaki balsamic sauce, and Wagyu beef steak in gourmet homemade steak sauce. For the less hungry, the upstairs Dragon's Cloud bar offers Japanese tapas tidbits to go with an Asahi or sake.