33 Dukes Walk, South Wharf 3006 ph (03) 9245 9900
I have always wanted to visit Akachochin (named after the distinctively Japanese Red Lanterns) after seeing beautiful pictures of the food there on instagram. I love shopping at South Wharf DFO, but for some reason had never figured out that South Wharf Promenade is just on the other side of the building! We've been here for lunch a couple of times now, and to our delight we have found delicious, freshly prepared food and surprisingly kid friendly service.
On weekdays, Akachochin offers a $20 set lunch menu. Essentially this is a Bento set with miso soup and steamed rice, with a side of yasai ohitashi (pickled vegetables), with an entree choice of either salmon or kingfish sashimi, and a choice of main. Pictured below is the one with the grilled chicken with a spicy teriyaki sauce.
The chicken was incredibly tender and the sauce was a perfect teriyaki sauce - not too salty, adequatetly sweet, with a hint of spiciness to make it interesting.
Mini Me had the one with the grilled pork belly main. I was really impressed that they thought to serve the sauce separately, as they were worried the sauce would be too spicy for children - something that I hadn't even thought of until they mentioned it! (Naughty Mummy! Mini Me loved the sauce by the way, it wasn't too spicy for her!)
The other option for a main was a crumbed, fried fish fillet with a special tartare sauce. There are also options available for vegetarians and for cold soba on the lunch menu.
On another occasion I tried the Fish Ochazuke ($15) from the regular menu, which was soy marinated sashimi on rice, served with hot green tea, wasabi, kizami-nori, spring onion and oshinko. I quite liked this as a lunch, it felt like a bowlful of tasty, healthy Japanese comfort food.
We've also tried the Unagi Avacado Roll ($14 for 6 pieces). I love unagi, and these rolls are a refreshing take, using cucumber as a wrap rather than nori.
We were fortunate enought to try their Nabeyaki Udon which was a special of the day during one of our visits. A hot pot of udon topped with an abundance of seafood and a wonderful broth.
To be honest I had been really keen to try Akachochin but was worried that bringing kids there would be difficult, so was resigned to the fact it's one of those places I would eventually get to try on one of our rare dinner dates. I'm really glad we tried lunch here, as the service was excellent and friendly, and we felt quite welcome (even the time we went as a party of 11, with 5 children, 3 of those 2 and under). We kept the kids entertained at the table and got to enjoy some excellent freshly prepared Japanese food. I'm already looking forward to my next shopping trip to South Wharf!
Toilet - Yes, spacious enough for a pram
Highchair - they have one!
I have always wanted to visit Akachochin (named after the distinctively Japanese Red Lanterns) after seeing beautiful pictures of the food there on instagram. I love shopping at South Wharf DFO, but for some reason had never figured out that South Wharf Promenade is just on the other side of the building! We've been here for lunch a couple of times now, and to our delight we have found delicious, freshly prepared food and surprisingly kid friendly service.
The other option for a main was a crumbed, fried fish fillet with a special tartare sauce. There are also options available for vegetarians and for cold soba on the lunch menu.
We were fortunate enought to try their Nabeyaki Udon which was a special of the day during one of our visits. A hot pot of udon topped with an abundance of seafood and a wonderful broth.
Highchair - they have one!
Love Akachochin. Their lunch is such good value.
ReplyDeleteAnd have you tried their chicken wing dumplings yet? Delicious.
All the food looks amazing! It is so good that it is big enough to maneuver a pram.
ReplyDeleteThe grilled pork belly would be a must for me.
Lol! that you have been back so often ;)
The food here looks really inviting but I think you're brave taking children there - my youngest has the blandest of palettes. I'm glad they served the sauce separately with the pork belly.
ReplyDeleteThis place is rad. One of my favs for great Japanese food. Love their desserts, sashimi and chicken wing dumplings...YERM!
ReplyDeleteThe Fish Ochazuke looks real tempting too - I gotta go back for that on your rec :)
Akachochin is one of the most consistent Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. And Kengo is a master of the knife.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed Akachochin! I've heard so many good things about their lunches but I haven't had the chance to try :) A shame that they only have one high chair...they really need to accommodate customers with young children ~
ReplyDeleteThe food looks very decent, especially the Udon.
ReplyDelete