Bincho Boss, in Melbourne, offers simple, high-quality Japanese cuisine, totally in the spirit of the izakayas, the Japanese equivalent of the bistro that abound in the land of the rising sun.
To say the least, Melbourne’s culinary scene (and Australia’s in general) is cosmopolitan, which makes sense in a country populated by immigration. And since a large proportion of this immigration came from Asia, it’s not surprising to see many Japanese restaurants.
During my stay in Gothenburg, which was the starting point for this trip, I really enjoyed my dinner at Kuruya, and it made me want to try an izakaya in Melbourne again.
You’ll find at the bottom of the page a summary of articles about this vacation in Australia.
The concept
It’s an Izakya, a kind of Japanese bistro, where friends gather to share dishes ranging from the simple to the almost gourmet.
The setting
The place is fairly modern, with a room organized around a central dining area and a small back room.
Simple, modern and tasteful.
The menu
The restaurant offers an à la carte menu with a variety of dishes ranging from sushi to grilled meats, as well as three set menus.
The meal
As soon as I arrive, I’m seated at the bar.
I quickly place my order and take the menu to try out different dishes.
Seasonal Otoshi: Cucumber salad.
Nothing special to say about it. It’s fresh and tasty.
Chef’s selection of assorted sashimi: salmon, king mackerel, scallops, tuna.
Quality fish, firm flesh and perfectly fine cut.
Ebi mayo, tempura shrimp with aurora sauce.
The shrimps are large and the breadcrumbs are fine, so you can really taste the fish and the dish isn’t too heavy. The sauce is good.
Brochette of yakitori chicken and wagyu beef.
The meat is melt-in-the-mouth and, unlike in many restaurants, is only lightly caramelized, which makes it easier to savor its taste. Its taste stands out better without being altered by an over-sweetness.
Chef’s selection of nigiri sushi and homemade miso soup
The fish is very good and you can tell from the texture that it’s made to order. The miso soup is smoky, just the way I like it.
Miso koji chicken, yuzu pepper; charcoal-grilled corn ribs, teriyaki butter, parmesan cheese
The chicken is delicious: pink and melt-in-the-mouth as rarely seen, it’s very fine. As for the corn, I’m not usually a fan, but it was very well prepared, especially with the teryiaki butter and parmesan.
Matcha and white chocolate terrine, sweet red bean.
I’m not usually a fan of macha, but it’s okay.
Once I’d finished my meal, I’d be royally ignored by the waiter for about twenty minutes before I could ask for the bill. A recurring problem in too many restaurants.
The service
Good and fast-paced, staff neither sympathetic nor antipatic with exchanges reduced to the bare minimum but who totally neglect customers who have finished eating.
The atmosphere
Not noisy and with muted urban music.
Bottom line
A pleasant meal with quality dishes, perhaps a little less elaborate than in Gothenburg, but very pleasant all the same. Too bad the waiter forgot me at the end of the service.
Final bill of 76 euros for the meal, a beer and a few glasses of wine.