Eat. @ Shou Sumiyaki

160 Little Bourke St, Melbourne CBD 3000 ph :(03) 9654 3933

Shou Sumiyaki Bar and Grill is Little One's number one favourite restaurant in Melbourne.  Maybe it's the sense of being in a "grown up" restaurant, or the fun of cooking your own food, or maybe even the Japanese dining tables where you have to take your shoes off to dine at.  I have to say that the kid in me (and sometimes that kid TAKES OVER!) also loves the fun and novelty of dining here.  As a consequence we've been here quite a few times (we didn't eat all this food in one go!)

The well -stocked bar

The draw card of Shou is the smokeless tabletop cooking that goes on.  You can cook anything from wagyu rump steaks and duck breast, to fatty (but delicious!) pork belly slices and seafood.  We found that a great value option is to have lunch here, where a lunch set is from $18.90 - $22.90, and includes options for meat, a set entree, rice and miso soup.

The set entree is the Kaisen Harumaki with Wafu Salad.  Surprisingly yummy, the harumaki (Japanese spring rolls) are freshly fried.  The salad is fresh and gives the lightness this meal needs for balance.

Once the entrees are finished, the staff will remove the top of the concealed burner in the table and place a hot cooker with a grill plate on, ready for you to cook the delicious pieces of meat.

Hot burners ready to go!

We shared a few dishes on the day : the wagyu rump, the wagyu scotch spencer, and a separate order of belly pork (not part of the lunch special).

Little One is not old enough to cook yet, but is fascinated with the whole process.  I can't believe I didn't take a photo, but each set comes with a plate of 4 sauces which, in combination with the freshly-grilled flavour, make the little morsels of meat absolutely divine.  There may not seem to be a big serving of meat but they go a long way with a bowl of rice, and doesn't leave you with a heavy "I've eaten too much" feeling that often goes with barbequed food.

If you don't fancy cooking on the day, or are in a hurry and don't want the hassle, they also offer a very reasonable ramen and soba lunchset menu, with a choice of soup and appetisers.  These are also great for the noodle-loving kiddies.  We chose the tempura prawn and the karaage sides on the day. 

A very decent serve of Tonkotsu Ramen.

Four tables located towards the back of the restaurants cater for groups.  Little One loves to sit here because you have to take your shoes off!

Grilling meat at the table is a delicious and fun way to eat yakiniku, but obviously has its draw backs.  It is more suitable for older children who understand the concept of not touching the hot grill.  There are no high chairs here, but the staff have always gone out of their way to accommodate us with our pram.  We'll have to take a break from here once Bubs in Pram grows out of sitting patiently in the pram while we eat!

Eat.Play.Shop. Says : A fun way to eat with the older children.  And it's absolutely delicious!

Toilet - Yes, and very very clean.
Highchairs - No