Restaurant Review: Ocha

Chef and owner Yasuhiko Yoshida first opened Ocha in 1994 by and after 14 years they have moved to big and better premises in hawthorn, the expansion has not stopped the hoards of loyalists and new customers trying to get a table at this suburban gem.

Booking on a Tuesday night we assumed that like many restaurants on a weekday it would be quiet and intimate but on arrival Ocha was completely at full capacity. The pass was full of food and the kitchen teeming with the action of a busy service.

The food is tasty and at a reasonable price. Though the service was a bit slow that night the menu is full of traditional flavors and more modern interesting things to try if you’re sick of the same things many other jap restaurants offer.

The mostly Japanese floor staff are friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful even on a busy night they are attentive and polite not forgetting last minute requests or queries.

Amuse-Bouche White and Green Beans in Seseme Paste

 Oysters with Yuzu Sorbet and Miso Partick.

The Yuzu Sortbet was a huge suprise the intense flavours really woke up the palate overall great start.

Grilled Scallop on the shell with Ocha style hollandaise
Beautiful, creamy and sweet at the same time but on a savory dish Mmmmm.

Special: Grilled Scampi

Seared kingfish sashimi with coriander and ponzu dressing

One of those new flavours I was talking about this was very nice, it reminded me of the soy you get on steamed fish but as a sashimi plater very fresh and tasty.

Traditional Sashimi Plater.
Amazingly Fresh.

Spanner crab meat wrapped in seaweed served with seaweed salt and tempura veg

Who doesn't love a plater of fried stuff. Especially juicy crab meat with a very intresting seaweed salt.

Pan fried duck breast pieces in miso pine nut sauce.

The dish I ordered incorectly, I was supposed to get the teriyaki but i said miso instead. the flavours were very diffrent from what I expected, the garnish on top was great pairing with the glazed duck. 

Great First Expeirence at a restaurant i've only heard of but never ate at. Would definetly return for  good prices, great atmosphere and the fact that it isnt traditional.

Address: 3 Church Street, Hawthorn Vic 3122
Reservation: (03) 9853 6002 

Website: http://www.ocha.com.au  

Hours: Lunch: Tuesday to Friday 12.00 - 2.30 Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday 6.00 - 10.30