Yu-U

Posted by: Vi_L | 24 February 2010, 8.48pm

for a hidden restaurant, when I came down I was surprised at how modern and simple the place was. We were greeted on arrival, and promptly led to our table. the lunch menu consisted only of set lunches. Interestingly enough the waitress had flipped the page straight to the alcohol. The buzzing of voices from the main area and low - jazzy - music provided a very pleasant atmosphere. The food came - though it was nice, it was overpriced. There was not enough rice to counteract the saltiness of the beef. Very filling though. Dessert consisted of a peach camote partially submerged in a, toothpaste like green tea sauce. Not so easy on the eye as you dig in and a pink mush becomes drowned in green. Two scoops of sesame ice cream was about 7 dollars, also overpriced. Creme caramel, wasn't too special either. Although we did end up staying for over an hour, might I emphasize again the splendid ambiance?

All in all, an overpriced restaurant with mediocre food. It is, however, an adventure to find and the relaxed feeling and service almost makes up for it. Dinner seems like a better option, will go back to check it out.

Food:			Visit: Wed 24 February 2010 Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: chanxiaolin | 13 May 2008, 4.27pm

It is really hard to find the place. I went with my friend at lunch, we need to rush back for work, it's perfect. Didn't make a booking but luckily they found a seat for us. They only have one set lunch to choose and it come out very quickly. Food was nice. And we were full and satisfied. I will come back for dinner.

Food:			Visit: Tue 13 May 2008 Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: Mzy | 24 April 2008, 9.53pm

We sauntered upon this little gem when stopped by some people on Flinders Lane asking for the spot so out of curiosity we decided to track it down. Love the hidden spot, the simplicity and the uniqueness of the place. It's one of those spots only those in the know are savvy about it! Dinner service was good due to the size of the place - small so there is a lot of attention to the customer needs. Fantastic! Food was delicious and tasty. We ordered a number of small dishes a mixture of cold and hot meals and were not disappointed. For about six dishes (potato salad, prawn dumplings, salmon sashimi, unagi, scallop and mushroom and succulent wagyu beef rolls with spring onion) and shared between two, the damage came to about $90. Dessert was probably the best creme caramel I had tasted ever - not too sweet and melted in our mouths. Very reasonable for Melbourne outdoor dining.

Food:			Visit: Tue 22 April 2008 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: simsalenko | 17 April 2008, 8.13am

After reading many positive reviews I booked myself in for a business lunch. This is not the venue for a client lunch.
Food was average (set menu rushed straight out) and they are very keen to clear the place by 2pm.
Probably my fault for not doing my research, but this restuarant is a very different experience for the lunch time diner.

Food:			Visit: Thu 17 April 2008 Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: gb00 | 25 October 2007, 9.52am

The meal here was lovely. I loved the fact that the menu comprised a variety of hot and cold dishes that allowed us to sample a selection of food types.

The service was attentive and exceptionally polite - it really made the dining experience memorable.

The decor was contemporary Japanese - strong on aesthetics and quite minimal. This had the unfortunate effect of being somewhat cold when there weren't enough patrons in the restaurant, which was the case when we first arrived, but within 30 minutes, the restaurant had filled and there was a warmer ambience.

Even though it was a Wednesday, staff had to turn away people who'd come in without a booking, and by the time we left there were others waiting to take our spot by the table.

I'm looking forward to going back, maybe on a busier night at the end of the week.

Food:			Visit: Wed 24 October 2007 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: robbah | 30 June 2007, 4.54pm

After reading a recent (very vague) review of Yu-u, I decided to give it a try whilst in town. And I am glad that I did.
I dined with a friend that wouldnt eat Japanese if given an option. But hats off to dear friend, as he allowed me to indulge in what I wanted to do.
We arrived early, about 7, with no booking. After a little checking, the only space that could be arranged was one of the private rooms. How dreadful :)
We were asked to remove our shoes and were escorted to said room. Our own personal dining space.
A menu was supplied along with a drink list. So much to choose.
We decided upon various Yakitori offerings (plum sauce =divine), gyoza, thinly sliced beef, prawn dumplings, pork with chinese veg (and one more dish which I am sorry to say escapes me at present).
The food arrived in no particular order; on an as it comes basis. In some ways, very similar to Izakaya style (experienced in Perth - HaLu restaurant). The menu setup encouraged sharing of dishes.
The service was wonderful. Being in a private dining room, staff could not pass a casual glance your way to see if you needed any additional attention. Staff arrived to either deliver food, drinks, water or clear plates. At no point in time did we ever feel neglected (which could easliy have happened - out of sight, out of mind).
At the end, we were well fed, well watered and very happy with the experience. Friend couldnt thank me enough for the dinner suggestion (and remember, Japanese is not high on his list)
As we were paying the bill, the restaurant was indeed full.
The private room provided a wonderful experience. However, eating in the main restaurant would have provided another wonderful experience as you would have been able to see the showmanship of the chef on display in front of you as you ate.

When I returned to wife and explained the wonderful meal, she was most upset that she mised out and insisted that I take her back one day. What an easy promise to keep. :)

Food:			Visit: Thu 28 June 2007 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: sushi lover | 21 May 2007, 3.03pm

An inconspicuous door leads down to one of the best Japanese dining experiences in the city. The service at Yu-u was nothing short of excellent. Put your trust in the chef's knowledge and expertise. You will not be disappointed!!!!

Food:			Visit: Sat 5 May 2007 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: monotone_au | 12 September 2006, 2.33am

The location itself builds your expectations for this Japanese restaurant. Best to give them your budget (even when you called to book) and let them prepare and surprise you with great-tasting dishes that are off the menu.

Food:			Visit: Fri 13 January 2006
Service:
Atmosphere:

Posted by: monotone | 10 October 2005, 6.29pm

Food:			Visit: Mon 19 September 2005 Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere: