Melbourne City Restaurants

Shoya Japanese Restaurant Melbourne One meal at Shoya is nowhere near enough to get a good handle on this place. Boasting six different levels it is a function centre, izakaya, karaoke bar, barbecue grillhouse and Japanese fine diner all rolled into one.

The lower levels are where you want to head for good fun in a group. The basement and ground floor house the smokeless barbecue tables for some DIY grilling fun, Japanese-style. Heading to the third-floor karaoke rooms is entirely optional, depending on the singing ability of your party.

Levels one and two are a more intimate affair. Think elegant minimalism, tatami mats and full table service. This is definitely first-date territory, and the world-class sashimi on offer paired with a sake list that goes blessedly beyond the usual suspects into more refined drops will go a long way to smoothing out any kinks in the night's proceedings.

If you get a chance, the opportunity to watch master sushi chef Shigeo Nonaka on the chef's executive floor isn't something you want to pass up. Seeing the artisan work up close will make you appreciate the food in front of you all the more. more