Richmond Restaurants

Maedaya Richmond Owner Toshi Maeda, after whom Maedaya is named (translating to 'house of Maeda' in English), developed an enthusiasm for ultra-authentic Japanese cuisine during his young adulthood in North Kobe. After moving to Australia in 1996 where he was resident sake master at Albert Park's Misuzu, Toshi opened Maedaya to showcase his yakitori grill skills and imported sake blends, of which more than 15 are available in-house.

Maedaya is an izakaya venue rather than a traditional restaurant, meaning that sushi and sashimi are eschewed in favour of dishes cooked on the charcoal grill, around which three distinct menus have been developed. At lunchtime guests can sample Japanese 'pizza'; a sizzling pancake covered in melted cheese and scattered with a variety of toppings such as pork, chicken and grilled vegetables. Toshi's dinner menu features salads such as tomato shoyu and tofu, as well as hot plates of tofu steak and teriyaki chicken, while rice and miso soup also make an appearance for those seeking more wholesome and traditional flavours.

In the evenings, diners can ascend to the upstairs charcoal barbecue area where hot dishes, such as the signature tsukune (skewered chicken balls); wagyu brisket; and chicken skin in spicy miso are grilled right at the table. The dramatic decor features black walls adorned with hessian ropes and a bar with open kitchen that runs the length of the main dining room beside sake bottles in glass cases, framed like the rare and exotic artefacts that they are. Japanese pop music and otsumami selections such as edamame and gyoza are the perfect sake snacking partners for a pre-dinner drink, while bottled Asahi, Corona and James Boags are on hand for those craving a more familiar flavour. more