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Restaurant

Kuzu Izakaya, Japanese Dining, Macedon Ranges

42D Anslow St, Woodend VIC 3442, Australia

Recommended by 62 people

Updated

Find Kuzu Izakaya, Japanese Dining, Macedon Ranges

42D Anslow St, Woodend VIC 3442, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 4417 7804
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Kuzu Izakaya, Japanese Dining, Macedon Ranges

Woodend quietly harbors city-grade Japanese izakaya dining that rivals Melbourne’s best, pairing meticulous banquets with warm country hospitality. Long-distance road-trippers and regional regulars pack the room for the Matsuko set menu, grazing progressively through fresh sashimi, sweet-and-sour tempura cauliflower, and Wagyu beef tataki. The kitchen flexes around dietary needs—seamlessly navigating Low FODMAP requests and pregnancy substitutions without diluting the punch of the dishes. Outside on the garden deck, gas heaters, fleece blankets, and the soft hum of a water feature take the bite out of chilly Macedon Ranges air, leaving you to nurse a cucumber mojito alongside buttery miso cream scallops.

  • Accommodating Set Menus: Banquets like the multi-course Matsuko flow smoothly, with the kitchen readily tailoring dishes for Low FODMAP, allergies, and pregnancy without sacrificing craft.
  • All-Weather Garden Deck: Gas heaters, heavy fleece blankets, and sheltered covers keep the leafy outdoor deck comfortable even through blustery Macedon Ranges evenings.
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What's On at Kuzu Izakaya, Japanese Dining, Macedon Ranges

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Kuzu Izakaya

Why diners choose Kuzu Izakaya for milestone meals, seamless dietary dining, and all-weather garden comfort in Woodend.

  • Metro-Grade Banquet & Multi-Course Dining

    Multi-course set menus like Matsuko and Takeko offer destination-worthy sashimi, oysters, and share plates that rival premier city dining.

    Had the takeko set menu, every dish was fantastic. Not a single miss across the board, definitely worth the asking price.

    Joshua Chazikantis

  • Regional Destination for Date Nights

    Couples and celebratory travelers make dedicated multi-hour trips specifically to mark anniversaries and dates over high-end Japanese gastronomy.

    We were so delighted that we have driven up from Melbourne just for the night to have ‘date night’ at this restaurant. The service food and wine are exceptional

    Helen Hadden

  • Low FODMAP & Allergen Accommodation

    The kitchen meticulously customizes dishes and set courses for Low FODMAP requirements without dulling culinary excitement or variety.

    The care taken to meet my dietary requirements (Low FODMAP) allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and try new dishes.

    Julia Baker

  • Versatile Family & Dietary Flexibility

    From dedicated kid-friendly options to pregnancy-safe adjustments, the kitchen ensures mixed parties and families dine together seamlessly.

    It's so special to be able to order and enjoy food of this calibre in a restaurant that also does a kid friendly menu

    Melanie Anderson

  • Weather-Protected Heated Garden Deck

    A tranquil outdoor deck shielded from winds features gas heaters and cozy blankets so guests stay thoroughly warm even on cold regional evenings.

    The weather was cold and windy and we had an outdoor table which we thought might be pretty miserable, but the garden area is so well protected from the elements, we weren't bothered at all. There were plenty of gas heaters for all the tables and we were also offered blankets.

    Steph Hunter

  • Cosy Four-Season Courtyard Ambience

    Tranquil landscaping with water features and substantial overhead umbrellas ensures serene al fresco dining across shifting weather conditions.

    We sat outside on a cold night, but with the heaters going it ended up being such a cosy spot for dinner.

    Clare D

Multi-course banquets and standout Japanese classics praised by destination diners.

  • Matsuko Set Menu

    Such amazing quality, flavour and texture in the meals.

    Robbo7477

  • Takeko Set Menu

    Had the takeko set menu, every dish was fantastic.

    Joshua Chazikantis

  • JFC (Japanese Fried Chicken)

    The JFC was the bomb also.

    Robbo7477

  • Miso Cream Scallops

    The scallops were like butter, melting onto my tongue.

    Leah Kid Bucket List

Other favorites

Artisanal beverages and sweet course highlights that complete the izakaya experience.

  • Tofu Doughnuts

    I would recommend the tofu doughnuts especially.

    Katharine Hidalgo

  • Goma Mousse

    This was the perfect conclusion to our meal.

    Leah Kid Bucket List

  • Cucumber Mojito

    Oh, and the cucumber Mojito was my favourite take on a classic cocktail.

    Julia Baker

  • Kuzu Yuzu Cocktail

    And the Kuzu Yuzu cocktail was just the ticket on a warm Summers evening.

    Sharon McNamara

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and distinct touches that elevate your dining experience

  • Heaters & Blankets on the Garden Deck

    Guests dining in the tranquil garden courtyard are kept comfortable in cold regional weather with gas heaters positioned at each table and cozy fleece blankets offered by staff.

  • Personalised Birthday Bugle Celebrations

    Birthdays are marked with a candlelit dessert presentation delivered by owner Gareth, complete with a genuine musical horn or bugle serenade.

  • Bespoke Dietary Adaptations

    The kitchen takes meticulous care to modify multi-course dishes for specialized dietary needs, including Low FODMAP, pregnancy safety, and allergies, without cutting culinary corners.

  • Thoughtful Arrival Coat Service

    Staff offer warm, personalized welcomes upon arrival, proactively taking and hanging heavy winter coats as guests settle in out of the cold.

Before you head over

Practical dining advice for planning your visit to Kuzu Izakaya in Woodend

  • Book Well in Advance

    With high demand from locals and weekend visitors traveling from Melbourne, tables fill quickly—especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan ahead and book well in advance or look out for their waiting list system.

  • Embrace the Heated Garden Deck

    Don't let regional Macedon Ranges chill deter you from an outside table. The tranquil garden deck is sheltered from wind with umbrellas, gas heaters at every table, and fleece blankets provided.

  • Communicate Dietary Restrictions Freely

    Whether you are navigating Low FODMAP, pregnancy, or specific food allergies, communicate your needs with confidence. The kitchen actively adapts banquets and dishes without compromising flavor.

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