Ajiya Japanese Restaurant Review

Shop 11a Metropol
60 Fitzroy Street St Kilda
Phone: (03) 9593 9853

Food
Japanese Cuisine. Not a very large selection, but there are some good options on the menu. There are some different meals than what you would generally find at a japanese restaurant like Japanese burgers and chips, but they also have some of the more traditional dishes. They offer free Miso soup to everyone as an entree. Also an interesting dessert choice of green tea and cookies and cream ice cream - not separate but together in the one ice-cream- and actually it was very refreshing.
Service
Lovely, friendly, very helpful and polite service. They go out of their way to make sure you are looked after.
Value
Good value. Most japanese restaurants I find are quite expensive but this is very reasonable. Probably because it focuses on takeaway as much as dine in. Not so upper class.
Decor and Atmosphere
Well presented and modern, but more of your casual dinner or lunch than a formal night out at a classy restaurant. Very comfortable and clean.

Misuzu's restaurant severely damaged by fire

I hadn't been to this restaurant, but this is a real shame as I'd planned to go and it is located in a Victorian terrace on a very pretty street.

From the Herald Sun:

A POPULAR Japanese restaurant has been severely damaged after a fire broke out in Albert Park overnight.

Flames were seen coming from Misuzu's on Victoria Avenue at around 1.50am this morning.

When the fire services arrived they were faced with five-metre high flames as the blaze took hold of the two-storey building. It took 24 firefighters almost two hours to control the situation.

The fire is estimated to have caused damages of at least $500,000. An adjoining shop, owned by the same business, was saved.

Sakura Restaurant Review

329-331 Clarendon Street
South Melbourne 3205
Phone/Fax (03) 9699 4150

Food
Japanese Teppanyaki. Prepared in front of you with flair. The show is just as important as the food in this style of restaurant. The chef did put on a good show with his food, but I think that while the food was decent, I've had better teppanyaki.
Service
Fair service. We were left waiting throughout the whole meal dying of thirst with the salty dishes, and no waitress in sight to ask for drinks.
Value
You will pay a bit more for Teppanyaki which is to be expected. Banquets started from $42 per person.
Decor and Atmosphere
Very well presented, traditional japanese decorations. The atmosphere was very good and the chef put on a good show with egg flying into our mouths and deft catching of the rice into our bowls. It made for some good entertainment.