Wasabi Melbourne: A Deep Dive into Their Exquisite Seafood Menu

Nestled elegantly along the vibrant Southbank promenade, Wasabi Melbourne stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, offering an unparalleled Japanese dining experience with a profound focus on fresh, high-quality seafood. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between modern sophistication and traditional Japanese serenity. Soft lighting, minimalist decor, and a captivating view of the Yarra River create an inviting and tranquil setting, perfect for an intimate dinner or a memorable celebration.

Wasabi Melbourne is conveniently located at 123 Waterfront Place, Southbank, Melbourne VIC 3006, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the city’s dynamic arts and entertainment precinct. The restaurant prides itself on delivering not just a meal, but an immersive culinary journey.

You can plan your visit around their accommodating hours: Wasabi Melbourne serves exquisite lunches from Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, offering a refined midday escape. For an unforgettable evening, dinner service runs from Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Please note that Wasabi Melbourne is closed on Sundays, allowing the team to meticulously prepare for the week ahead and maintain their high standards of freshness and service.

For reservations or any inquiries, feel free to reach out to their dedicated team. You can contact Wasabi Melbourne directly by phone at (03) 9876 5432 or via email at info@wasabimelbourne.com.au. We highly recommend booking in advance, especially for weekend evenings, to secure your spot at this highly sought-after dining destination.

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Menu Highlights

Wasabi Melbourne’s menu is a testament to the artistry of Japanese cuisine, with an unwavering commitment to the freshest seafood available. Each dish is a carefully crafted masterpiece, designed to tantalize the senses and showcase the natural flavours of the ocean. Their chefs combine traditional techniques with contemporary flair, ensuring every bite is an experience to savour. Here’s a closer look at what awaits you:

Sashimi & Nigiri: The Purity of the Ocean

At Wasabi Melbourne, the Sashimi and Nigiri selection is the heart of their philosophy: showcasing the unadulterated beauty of premium seafood. Sourced daily from trusted suppliers, each slice of fish is meticulously cut to perfection, reflecting the chef’s precision and respect for the ingredient. The texture, marbling, and delicate flavour profile of each piece are highlighted, offering a truly authentic raw fish experience. From fatty tuna to delicate scallops, the selection varies based on seasonal availability, guaranteeing peak freshness and an ever-evolving discovery for connoisseurs.

Bluefin Tuna Ōtoro Sashimi: Exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna, premium quality, ultimate indulgence.
New Zealand King Salmon Sashimi: Rich, buttery texture with vibrant orange hue, responsibly sourced.
Hiramasa Kingfish Sashimi: Firm, delicate flavour, a sublime Australian yellowtail selection.
Scampi Nigiri: Sweet, succulent scampi, lightly torched, a truly luxurious bite.
Uni (Sea Urchin) Nigiri: Creamy, briny, ocean-fresh delicacy for the adventurous palate.
Wagyu Beef Nigiri: Seared wagyu, exquisite marbling, a decadent non-seafood option.
Botan Ebi Nigiri: Large, sweet spot prawn, incredible flavour, fresh and vibrant.
Seared Scallop Nigiri: Perfectly seared, tender scallops, delicate sweetness, hint of char.
Snapper Sashimi: Light, flaky texture, mild flavour, perfectly sliced for freshness.
Chef’s Premium Sashimi Platter (Large): A grand selection of the day’s freshest, finest catches.

Tempura & Agemono: Crispy Perfection

The Tempura and Agemono section at Wasabi Melbourne offers a delightful contrast to the raw offerings, presenting perfectly fried dishes that are light, crispy, and flavourful without being greasy. The batter is gossamer-thin, allowing the natural essence of the ingredients—be it plump prawns, fresh seasonal vegetables, or succulent soft-shell crab—to shine through. Each item is fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, juicy interiors. Served with traditional dipping sauces, these dishes are a testament to the delicate art of Japanese frying.

Prawn Tempura: Crispy, plump prawns, perfectly battered, light and satisfying crunch.
Seasonal Vegetable Tempura: Fresh, vibrant vegetables, lightly battered, perfectly crisp, garden’s delight.
Soft Shell Crab Tempura: Whole, crispy soft-shell crab, incredibly flavourful, a seafood favourite.
Assorted Seafood Tempura: Mix of premium seafood, delicate batter, perfectly fried assortment.
King Oyster Mushroom Tempura: Earthy, meaty texture, delightful crunch, vegetarian option.
Chicken Karaage: Juicy, marinated fried chicken, wonderfully crispy, universally loved.
Tofu Agemono: Silken tofu, lightly fried, with dashi broth, comforting and warm.
Kisu (Whiting) Tempura: Light, delicate white fish, fried to perfection, subtle ocean flavour.
Squid Tentacle Karaage: Tender, seasoned squid tentacles, crispy exterior, addictive snack.
Renkon Chips: Thinly sliced lotus root, perfectly fried, seasoned crisps, delightful texture.

Grilled & Robata: Smoky Aromas

The aromas from the Robata grill are an irresistible draw at Wasabi Melbourne, promising smoky, char-kissed delights. Using traditional Japanese grilling techniques, the chefs expertly cook a variety of seafood and premium meats over high heat, locking in their natural juices and imparting a distinct smoky essence. From succulent skewers of wagyu to perfectly grilled market fish, each item is seasoned to enhance its inherent flavours. This section celebrates simplicity and technique, turning quality ingredients into incredibly satisfying dishes with a delightful charred exterior and tender interior.

Glacier 51 Toothfish Robata: Exquisite Antarctic fish, rich, buttery, perfectly grilled.
Miso Glazed Black Cod: Flaky, sweet, savoury miso marinade, a classic favourite.
Wagyu Skewers (MB9+): Succulent, marbled wagyu, perfectly grilled, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Chicken Thigh Yakitori: Juicy, tender chicken, perfectly glazed, traditional Japanese skewer.
Grilled Market Fish: Fresh catch of the day, expertly grilled, delicate, seasonal perfection.
Scallop Butter Yaki: Pan-seared scallops, rich butter sauce, incredibly tender, sweet.
Teriyaki Chicken Don: Grilled chicken, sweet teriyaki glaze, served over fluffy rice.
Eel Kabayaki (Unagi): Sweet, savoury grilled eel, intensely flavourful, a Japanese delicacy.
Lamb Chop Robata: Tender lamb chops, expertly grilled, juicy, rich, aromatic seasoning.
Grilled Eggplant with Miso: Tender eggplant, sweet miso glaze, delightful vegetarian option.

Main Courses & Signature Dishes: Culinary Masterpieces

Beyond the smaller plates, Wasabi Melbourne’s main courses and signature dishes are designed to be the star of your dining experience. These creations represent the pinnacle of the kitchen’s artistry, blending traditional Japanese flavours with contemporary culinary innovation. Expect beautifully composed dishes that highlight the freshness of the ingredients, whether it’s a meticulously prepared seafood hot pot, a unique take on a classic ramen, or a chef’s special showcasing seasonal produce. Each main course is a complete and satisfying culinary journey, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to excellence.

Seafood Hot Pot (Nabe): Assorted fresh seafood, clear dashi broth, comforting, interactive dining.
Wagyu Beef Tataki with Ponzu: Lightly seared wagyu, zesty ponzu, delicate, flavourful appetizer.
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice: Finely chopped spicy tuna, sits on crispy rice cakes, addictive crunch.
Chirashi Don: Assortment of fresh sashimi, beautifully arranged over seasoned rice.
Premium Sashimi Bowl: Generous selection of market-fresh sashimi, artfully presented bowl.
Mushroom and Truffle Ramen: Rich mushroom broth, truffle oil, savoury, earthy depth.
Green Tea Soba Salad: Chilled green tea soba, fresh vegetables, light sesame dressing.
Wasabi Melbourne Seafood Platter: Grand presentation of fresh and cooked seafood, truly impressive.
Kurobuta Pork Katsu: Crispy breaded premium pork loin, tender, juicy, perfectly fried.
Duck Breast with Sansho Pepper: Pan-seared duck, aromatic sansho pepper, rich, tender meat.

Sushi Rolls & Temaki: Creative Combinations

The sushi rolls and temaki (hand rolls) at Wasabi Melbourne offer a vibrant display of creativity and skill. While honouring traditional Japanese roll-making, the chefs also introduce innovative combinations of ingredients that excite the palate. Each roll is tightly constructed, showcasing a perfect balance of fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, all enrobed in high-quality nori. From classic California rolls to signature creations with unique toppings and sauces, this section provides a delightful array of textures and flavours, perfect for sharing or enjoying individually.

Wasabi Special Roll: Tuna, salmon, kingfish, avocado, tobiko, chef’s signature creation.
Spicy Tuna Roll: Fresh tuna, spicy mayo, crisp cucumber, satisfying kick.
Dragon Roll: Prawn tempura, avocado, unagi, sweet eel sauce, visually stunning.
California Roll: Crab meat, avocado, cucumber, flying fish roe, timeless classic.
Rainbow Roll: Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, crab stick, colourful, delightful.
Spider Roll: Soft shell crab tempura, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, crunchy, flavourful.
Vegetable Roll: Assorted fresh vegetables, avocado, cucumber, healthy, refreshing option.
Avocado Cucumber Roll: Simple, refreshing, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, clean flavour.
Salmon Avocado Roll: Fresh salmon, creamy avocado, popular, universally loved combination.
Hamachi (Yellowtail) Scallion Roll: Fresh yellowtail, crisp scallions, clean, vibrant taste.

The interior of Wasabi Melbourne is a symphony of modern elegance and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Dark timber accents, ambient lighting, and artful arrangements create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Service is impeccable, discreet yet attentive, ensuring every need is met without intrusion. While Wasabi Melbourne is positioned at the higher end of the dining spectrum, reflecting its commitment to premium ingredients and exceptional service, the overall vibe is one of refined comfort. It’s an ideal setting for special occasions, corporate entertaining, or simply indulging in a truly memorable culinary experience that balances luxury with a welcoming warmth.

In conclusion, Wasabi Melbourne stands as a true culinary gem in the heart of the city, especially for aficionados of Japanese cuisine and fresh seafood. While every dish on their extensive menu shines, the Bluefin Tuna Ōtoro Sashimi is an absolute must-try for its unparalleled richness, and the Miso Glazed Black Cod consistently earns rave reviews for its delicate sweetness and flaky texture. The Wasabi Special Roll is another highlight, showcasing the kitchen’s creativity and the freshest produce. This restaurant is perfectly suited for those seeking an elevated dining experience – couples celebrating anniversaries, business professionals hosting clients, or anyone who appreciates the meticulous art of Japanese cooking in a sophisticated setting. It’s a place where every detail, from the pristine ingredients to the refined service, comes together to create an unforgettable meal. Wasabi Melbourne doesn’t just serve food; it offers a journey for the senses, leaving you with lasting memories of exquisite flavours and a truly remarkable evening.

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