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Restaurant

IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi

113 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 50 people

Updated

Find IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi

113 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9639 6021
HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi

This bustling Hardware Street spot delivers serious wagyu sukiyaki centered on marbled M10-12 Denver cuts, simmering sweet-savory broth, and raw egg dip. Floor staff step in to simmer your first round of beef table-side before letting you take over the pot. Laneway regulars pair the bubbling hot pots with crispy ebi fry and M9 Wagyu chazuke, occasionally collecting spontaneous hand-drawn birthday cards when celebrations crop up. Finish by dropping thick udon noodles directly into the reduced, beef-infused broth.

  • Marbled Wagyu Sukiyaki: Heavily marbled M10-12 Denver and Blade cuts simmer in sweet-savory broth before a dip in raw egg.
  • Guided Hotpot Service: Staff prepare the initial round table-side to show proper simmering technique.
  • Izakaya & Donburi Staples: Crispy ebi fry, deep-fried oysters, and M9 Wagyu chazuke balance out the hotpot offerings.
RestaurantJapaneseRestaurant

What's On at IKKAI - Sukiyaki, Izakaya & Donburi

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose IKKAI

From high-grade wagyu sukiyaki to spontaneous birthday cards, here is why diners choose IKKAI.

  • Graded Wagyu Hotpot Cuts

    Guests choose from marbled cuts like M9–M12 Denver, Blade, and Kuroushi rib eye served with pasteurized raw egg dip and rich broth.

    The marbling for M10-12 Denver was insane and it melts in mouth straightaway!!

    isensefood_melb

  • Izakaya Bowls and Comfort Sides

    Diners looking for casual Japanese comfort rely on flavorful rice bowls and crispy sides like tender ox tongue donburi and katsu.

    The katsu sp juicy, the karage just perfectly battered and the donburi bowls perfection in a bowl.

    Cliff H

  • Table-Side Guided Sukiyaki Preparation

    Tables receive dedicated assistance with simmering the opening beef slices so guests experience the proper dipping ritual and cooking technique.

    One thing we appreciated was that the staff helped prepare the first round of sukiyaki and explained the recommended way to enjoy it.

    peko2_diary

  • Attentive Laneway Dining Atmosphere

    The cozy, tucked-away laneway atmosphere pairs focused table hospitality with an authentic and interactive dining pace.

    Staff were attentive, helped with cooking the beef, and regularly checked in throughout the meal.

    Racheal

  • Handwritten Celebratory Touches

    Staff spontaneously craft custom, hand-drawn greeting cards and gifts for diners celebrating birthdays and special milestones.

    Since it was my birthday, they also prepared a handwritten birthday card, which was such a thoughtful and heartwarming touch.

    Al

  • Welcoming Group and Occasion Dining

    Groups and gatherings enjoy an energetic, shared hotpot environment supported by attentive hospitality.

    The staff were very professional and had fantastic hospitality. And the atmosphere is great for group dining.

    Taariq Boomgaard

Signature graded wagyu sukiyaki cuts and classic Japanese mains

  • M10-12 Denver

    The marbling for M10-12 Denver was insane and it melts in mouth straightaway!!

    isensefood_melb

  • M9 Blade Sukiyaki

    We absolutely love the M9 Blade Sukiyaki for 2 ( of course!) and a big of the Umami fries and Deep fried Oysters~

    Jannie_

  • A5 Delmonico Reserve

    The A5 Delmonico Reserve was incredibly tender and almost melted in your mouth.

    2wy_2aus

  • Chicken Katsu

    Ordered the chicken katsu and was not disappointed. The chicken was incredibly juicy and full of flavour with great texture on the outside.

    nevaan2nd

Other favorites

Izakaya starters and crispy sides to accompany your hotpot or meal

  • Umami Fries

    We absolutely love the M9 Blade Sukiyaki for 2 ( of course!) and a big of the Umami fries and Deep fried Oysters~

    Jannie_

  • Deep Fried Oysters

    We absolutely love the M9 Blade Sukiyaki for 2 ( of course!) and a big of the Umami fries and Deep fried Oysters~

    Jannie_

  • Ebi Fry

    Also ordered their Ebi Fry (prawn), this is now on a promotion, which is only $6.90 for 3 pcs. Such a great deal!

    isensefood_melb

  • Takoyaki

    We also ordered the takoyaki and edamame as sides, which were simple but satisfying starters.

    peko2_diary

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality touches that elevate the sukiyaki experience

  • Hand-drawn celebration cards

    Staff spontaneously create and present custom, hand-drawn birthday cards—often accompanied by chocolate—when noticing or learning of a diner's celebration.

  • Guided table-side first-round cooking

    Servers prepare and cook the initial round of wagyu sukiyaki table-side, guiding guests on the recommended method to simmer beef and dip it into pasteurized egg.

  • Spontaneous wagyu grade upgrades

    Guests ordering sukiyaki sets are regularly surprised with spontaneous, complimentary meat upgrades to higher-tier cuts like MB10–12 Denver.

  • Thoughtful seating hospitality

    When full sukiyaki seating is unavailable or wait times arise, staff provide thoughtful hospitality touches such as complimentary drinks to welcome guests.

Before you head over

Practical tips on reservations, broth seasoning, and celebration perks

  • Book ahead to avoid outdoor queues

    Tables fill up fast and wait times can exceed 30 minutes outside, so reserve well in advance if you want guaranteed seating for sukiyaki.

  • Dilute broth to taste using extra water

    Broth and ingredients arrive with table-side assistance, but staff also provide water so you can adjust the sweet-savory broth to your exact saltiness preference.

  • Signal special celebrations when visiting

    Mention birthdays or celebrations even on regular bookings, as staff often prepare spontaneous handwritten cards and treats for the table.

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