Restaurant

Minamishima

4 Lord St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

Recommended by 35 people

Updated

Find Minamishima

4 Lord St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 6:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 6:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 6:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Minamishima

Tucked away on Lord Street, Minamishima sets Melbourne’s benchmark for multi-course Edomae omakase. Counter seating puts you face-to-face with the knife work, where pairs watch seasonal Japanese fish sliced and pressed course by course. Regulars know the drill: skip reaching for extra soy sauce or wasabi—each nigiri arrives individually brushed and seasoned for balance. The floor staff run a silent, watchful service, quietly refilling water and angling plates specifically for left-handed diners. From warm chawanmushi to lightly torched otoro, the meal ends without rush on a slice of tamagoyaki.

  • Front-Row Counter Dining: Pairs seated at the main sushi bar get direct, course-by-course views of seasonal fish prep and knife craft.
  • Chef-Seasoned Nigiri: Every nigiri is brushed and calibrated by the chef, meaning extra soy sauce and wasabi are left off the counter.
  • Observant Floor Service: Floor staff adapt quietly to diner nuances, including repositioning sushi angles for left-handed guests.

What's On at Minamishima

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

No events or specials listed right now.

The Minamishima Distinction

Why discerning diners choose Minamishima for Melbourne's definitive Edomae omakase

  • Masterfully Pre-Seasoned Nigiri

    Each nigiri piece is meticulously brushed and pre-seasoned by the sushi chef, preserving optimal flavor harmony without table soy sauce or wasabi.

    each nigiri is perfectly seasoned

    Sushirolls
  • Authentic High-Grade Omakase

    Delivering authentic Edomae-style omakase courses made with top-tier seasonal ingredients rivaling renowned dining across Japan.

    Pricey but really good, on par if not better than omakase in Japan.

    Farn H
  • Captivating Sushi Counter Theatre

    Sitting along the chef counter turns the meal into theatrical performance, observing knife craft and precision preparation up close.

    captivating culinary theatre

    Kim Yew Lee
  • Personalized Presentation Geometry

    The kitchen and floor staff proactively adjust presentation details for diners, such as orienting sushi pieces specifically for left-handed guests.

    one example is them noticing I'm left-handed and they served the sushi facing that angle.

    The Mog Champ
  • Quiet Milestone Setting

    A tranquil, candlelit space designed for milestone anniversaries and intimate birthdays where couples can celebrate without distraction.

    I especially loved the quiet, intimate atmosphere created by the soft candlelight on our table.

    Lina Meier
  • Intimate Counter Atmosphere

    Seating configurations prioritize couples and pairs at the sushi bar to maintain personal pacing and uninterrupted chef engagement.

    vibe was intimate but spaced out between patrons.

    dontwaitdate

Beyond the menu

Subtle, hyper-observant hospitality rituals that elevate the omakase journey

  • Left-Handed Nigiri Presentation

    Chefs observe diners' dominant hands and orient each piece of nigiri toward the left for left-handed guests to pick up naturally.

  • Chef-Calibrated Pre-Seasoning

    Every piece of nigiri is seasoned precisely with nikiri and wasabi by the chef before serving, intentionally omitting soy sauce or wasabi dishes at the counter.

  • Preemptive Beverage Care

    Waitstaff provide silent, proactive beverage care, reading subtle cues such as glass placement to replenish water quietly without interrupting the meal.

  • Intimate Counter Dynamics

    Counter seating directly facing the sushi masters is limited to solo diners and pairs to preserve quiet focus and unhurried culinary interaction.

Before you head over

Practical planning and dining etiquette for your omakase experience

  • Limit Party Size to Two for Counter Seating

    Reserve for solo dining or pairs if you wish to sit at the sushi counter; groups of three or more are seated at dining tables away from the main counter view.

  • Refrain From Requesting Extra Seasoning

    Avoid asking for extra soy sauce or wasabi, as the chef seasons each piece of nigiri individually before serving for exact balance.

  • Book Ahead and Allow Up to Three Hours

    Secure reservations well in advance and plan for a spaced-out omakase tasting that typically spans around two to three hours.

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