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Restaurant

Machi

14 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Recommended by 47 people

Updated

Find Machi

14 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9534 5000
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Machi

Set just off St Kilda beach, Machi reworks Japanese izakaya staples through a modern Melbourne lens. Patrons make a beeline for the crunchy deep-fried nori tacos stuffed with lobster, tuna, or BBQ eel before moving on to the heavier comfort food. The kitchen anchors the menu around slow-cooked kamameshi and claypot rice dishes—particularly the crab kamameshi layered with sweet crab, scallops, and ikura over fragrant dashi rice, or toothfish paired with aromatic truffle rice. Chewy fried nori potato balls and spanner crab tartare round out the table alongside pours of umeshu or yuzu cocktails.

  • Crispy Nori Tacos: Crunchy deep-fried nori shells replace standard tortillas, packed with fillings like unagi, lobster, and raw salmon.
  • Seafood Kamameshi & Claypots: Cast-iron pots arrive steaming with options like crab and scallop over dashi rice, abalone, or toothfish with truffle.
  • Bayside St Kilda Dining: Positioned near Inkerman Street and the St Kilda foreshore, offering an intimate post-beach dinner or date spot.
RestaurantJapaneseRestaurant

What's On at Machi

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Machi

Why diners choose Machi for creative Japanese comfort and coastal evenings in St Kilda

  • Signature Kamameshi and Seafood Claypots

    Slow-cooked claypot and kamameshi rice dishes feature premium seafood such as tender abalone, crab, ikura, and scallops layered over fragrant dashi rice.

    the rice was fragrant, the crab flavour was gentle but really present, and it was perfect for the weather

    David Glacier

  • Elevated Comfort in an Intimate Setting

    Machi balances luxury seafood delicacies and creative Japanese culinary twists with an inviting, unpretentious dining room.

    The space feels warm and intimate without being pretentious, and the menu has a really nice mix of classic Japanese foundations with some creative twists.

    Quinnie Liman

  • Crispy Deep-Fried Nori Tacos

    House specialty tacos substitute standard corn tortillas with deep-fried nori shells to deliver an ultra-crispy crunch around fillings like lobster, tuna, and toothfish.

    They use a crunchy nori shell instead of a tortilla, and the fish was incredibly fresh and flavorful.

    Lim Nalson

  • Inventive Fusion Bar Snacks

    Addictive, texture-rich starter plates such as freshly fried nori potato balls and spanner crab tartare provide perfect savory pairings alongside drinks.

    The potato balls were freshly fried, chewy, and addictive

    karen

  • Ideal Post-Beach Seaside Location

    Set just moments from St Kilda pier and the beach, Machi provides an effortless seaside destination to cap off a waterfront stroll.

    The restaurant is located near St Kilda beach, which makes it a perfect spot after a walk by the sea.

    jj o

  • A Rewarding Date Night Setting

    Spacious seating, attentive hospitality, and celebratory share-plate dishes offer a thoughtful backdrop for romantic dates and birthday dinners.

    Had a lovely dinner here with my partner after visiting the st kilda pier.

    Elvis Tan

Signature claypot rice creations and crunchy nori tacos

  • Crab Kamameshi

    the Crab Kamameshi had perfectly cooked crab, ikura, scallops, and uni over dashi rice - the flavour balance was amazing.

    karen

  • Nori Tacos

    Super creative. They use a crunchy nori shell instead of a tortilla, and the fish was incredibly fresh and flavorful.

    Lim Nalson

  • Abalone Rice

    The standout for me was definitely the abalone rice — so flavourful and comforting, with really tender abalone and depth in every bite.

    Quinnie Liman

  • Toothfish Truffle Rice

    The toothfish was incredible. The texture was perfect. Melts in your mouth. It had a clean and slightly sweet taste that perfectly pairs with the truffle rice.

    Karam Devnani

Other favorites

Sides, starters, craft cocktails, and desserts to complete your meal

  • Nori Potato Balls

    The potato balls were freshly fried, chewy, and addictive

    karen

  • Spanner Crab Tartare

    Really liked the Machi Tacos cause the nori shell was super crispy, the dry aged duck and also the Spanner crab tartare.

    T. N

  • Yuzu Mojito

    To wash it all down, I opted for the Yuzu Mojito. It was bright and refreshing—a solid companion to the rich flavors of the cod and beef.

    hitrol ma

  • Peach Crème Brûlée

    We capped the night off with the Peach Crème Brûlée, which provided a silky, fruity finish to a savory-heavy meal.

    hitrol ma

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful presentation and welcoming touches that elevate modern Japanese dining in St Kilda

  • Crunchy Nori Shell Tacos

    Specialty fusion tacos arrive in a delicate, deep-fried crunchy nori seaweed shell instead of a conventional tortilla, layered with fillings like toothfish, BBQ eel, or lobster.

  • Handmade Ceramic Tableware

    Dishes are served on distinctive handmade ceramic tableware, curated to highlight the aesthetic presentation of the modern Japanese menu.

  • Proactive Kid-Specific Place Settings

    Families with young diners receive child-sized utensils and a high chair brought to the table promptly upon seating without having to ask.

  • Salt Block Cured Fish Presentation

    Freshly cured kingfish is served presented on an authentic salt block, providing both striking visual presentation and an extra burst of seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I book a table in advance?

Yes. Even on weekday evenings, the dining room can be fully booked, so reserving a table in advance is strongly recommended.

How long does a meal usually take?

Dishes are served sequentially rather than all at once, and select specialty items like the seafood bowls can take around 20 minutes to prepare. Expect a leisurely pace—a multi-course meal often takes over an hour, making it best enjoyed when you are not rushed.

What are Machi tacos made with?

Machi's signature tacos are served in a crispy, deep-fried nori seaweed shell instead of a traditional tortilla, with fillings such as toothfish, BBQ eel, lobster, and uni salmon.

Is Machi accommodating for children?

Yes. The restaurant provides a welcoming environment for families, offering spacious seating along with high chairs and children's cutlery on request.

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