Yu-U
Phone 03 9639 7073
Yu-U is the kind of place that does so well in Melbourne. First, it’s hard to find. The signage next to the door is the size of a postage stamp. Secondly, it runs off a Melbourne laneway - which is oh so cool these days. And thirdly - as you heave open the heavy rusty metal door and descend the dark concrete stairway, you are enveloped by a dark moody basement, slick with stainless steel, dark wood, polished concrete, clever lighting and a delicious smoky haze created by the yakitori grill.
Prime seating revolves around said grill; comfortable blue velour chairs and a long low bench gives you direct interaction with the cooking, fanning and basting of the little skewers. I am salivating and I haven’t even read the menu yet.
There is a minimum charge of $30 per head at night, which is not too hard to do with the plethora of small plates available. A Chef’s recommended course can be had for $43 per person, but don’t ask the wait staff what is on the menu as they’re unlikely to know.
My first choice was the Buri Sashimi; thick slices of fresh kingfish sitting atop of a pile of blanched spinach. The kingfish was firm and fresh and offered a great mouthfeel, the pearlescence of the skin a real delight for the eyes too. I partnered this with Asazuke, a cold salad of pickled cabbage, carrot, cucumber and seaweed. A heavy sprinkle of togarashi really made this one pop.
I didn’t order this dish - but doesn’t it look divine? Mushidori was sake steamed tender chicken slices topped with a leek dressing and shaved cucumber. It was served cold on a bed of juicy tomato slices.
Next was an item off the grill, yaki onigiri. Considered somewhat of pub snack in Japan, yaki onigiri is a charcoal grilled rice triangle/ball, sweet and salty on the outside due to a baste of a sweet soy flavoured sauce. The rice toasts on the outer giving crunchy goodness, whilst the inside remains soft and glutinous.
My last hot dish was Nasu Hasamiage, deep fried eggplant with minced chicken. Basically it was an egg-dipped deep-fried eggplant sandwich, containing a layer of seasoned minced chicken. Garnished with grated white radish and a very light sauce, it was quite the dish. Delish.
The finale (and how can one not?) was a scoop each of maccha and goma ice cream; green tea and black sesame respectively. The black sesame was particularly good - not too sweet with honeyed halva overtones.
Service at Yu-U can be somewhat haphazard; attentive with the water jug to the extreme, yet lacking in menu knowledge and non-anticipatory re: ordering and asking for the bill. My other gripe was the mood destroying music, both in volume and style. I don’t quite know what the style was - it reminded me of twee 1960s elevator music. It was just so at odds with the vibe.
But I like it. It’s a great space, and the food is clean, simple, fresh and funky.
Written by mellie on
January 16th, 2007 | Tags: Japanese, restaurants | Category: Uncategorized
| 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
| Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL
January 21st, 2007 at 8:38 am
Yu-u’s great isn’t it - must get back there soon. These must be the first publshe pictures inside as they refuse entry to photographers from The Good food guide and the newspapers!
January 21st, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Hi there Ed - well, I guess being an amateur has its advantages
I didn’t hide the fact I was taking photos, but no one pulled me up on it. But when I visit a restaurant, I usually don’t take big gear - just a point and shoot digital. Not looking “the business” helps.
But it is a great venue worthy of a photograph. The yakitori chef with that sexy lighting absolutely rocked.
January 22nd, 2007 at 10:49 pm
I agree with your sysopsis Mel. Yu-U was very cool and very Melbourne with sublime food. Definately scope for improvement in music choice and waitstaff food knowledge but overall a winner.
The Mushidori was smooth and understated,yet hit all the right flavour notes. My choice for dish of the night was the Wagyu Beef with Teriyaki sauce from the special menu though, so good that when I had it in my mouth my head left the conversation and could concerntrate only on the tasty meltingly tender morsels.
January 23rd, 2007 at 3:30 am
Hi Anita. Oh yes, I forgot about that gorgeous looking wagyu beef rolled around spring onions, and dressed in teriyaki. I should have taken a photo of that too - it looked absolutely heavenly (…and by your expression, tasted absolutely heavenly too!)
January 23rd, 2007 at 5:37 am
Great looking place and the food matches the sophistication. Love to try the yaki onigiri….I’m a pub snack kinda guy. I’d be up for the Nasu Hasamiage as well.
January 24th, 2007 at 3:12 am
Hiya Neil - I can highly recommend the yaki onigiri. They are sweet/salty on the outside, and lusciously ricey on the inside. A pub snack can’t be beat!
And the eggplant was divine too. But then, I can never really go past an eggplant dish.
February 9th, 2007 at 11:23 am
i love the food at Yu-U. I haven’t tried most of the things here but can tell you that the cold chicken dish is divine.
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:07 am
Do they prepare bento boxes or food that is usually seen at Japanese restaurants? i.e Katsu don, curry, sukiyaki?
Also…what are the prices like for mains?
Thanks
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 am
Hey …for who made the stars - Yu-U is not really like a Japanese diner/cafe, so there is no katsu/curry don or bento boxes are available. It is definitely more like a restaurant, and expect a restaurant price tag.
They generally do a lunch set (around $15 from memory), which changes daily. If you want to go you will need to book, as the place is quite popular and only seats a small number of people. Also, there are two sittings for lunch only. I would suggest being on time too
Mains hover around the $20-$30 mark, depending on what you choose. Of course plates are good for sharing, so you can spread three dishes out for four.
Hope you enjoy it!
February 26th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Hey that’s my next door neighbor, looking forward to eating his soba.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Hey anon - your next door neighbour!!?? Dang…I’d be sending for room service every night!
September 25th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
You should tryout Porgie and Mr Jones @ 291 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn if you haven’t. Its really Yummmm
September 26th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Thanks for that Vanessa. If I’m ever down that way I’ll check it out. I’ve heard some good things about it already!