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Restaurant

Obanzai Mama

83A Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 15 people

Updated

Find Obanzai Mama

83A Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

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HoursMonday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Obanzai Mama

This snug Fitzroy counter brings Kyoto home cooking to Smith Street with customizable bento boxes packed straight from the chilled display. regulars come for the build-your-own spread—anchoring mains like swordfish katsu with yuzu tartar or miso black cod against five seasonal vegetable sides. Standouts rotate daily, from tender miso-glazed eggplant and crunchy lotus root to sweet potato and dashi-soaked greens. Those on the fly grab the dashimaki egg katsu sandwich, crisp-crumbed on soft milk bread, or raid the fridge for house-made matcha cheesecake and onigiri before the shelves empty.

  • Customizable Obanzai Bentos: Pair proteins like miso black cod or swordfish katsu with five Kyoto-style vegetable sides chosen straight from the counter fridge.
  • Crisp Egg Katsu Sando: Thick, tender dashimaki tamago coated in a crisp katsu crumb and sweet tangy sauce on soft bread.
  • Intimate Counter Dining: A compact, home-style dining space lined with counter stools, shared tables, and Japanese reading material.
RestaurantJapaneseRestaurant

What's On at Obanzai Mama

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Obanzai Mama

Discover the authentic flavors, customizable bentos, and nostalgic Kyoto charm of Obanzai Mama.

  • Customizable Obanzai Bento Combinations

    Diners can personalize their signature bento by pairing their chosen main dish with five vegetable obanzai sides from the display.

    ordered the signature Obanzai bento where you choose your main dish and five vegetable side dishes from the display fridge

    Barry

  • Abundant Choice of Fresh Vegetable Sides

    The build-your-own bento format lets guests choose from an extensive range of seasonal obanzai vegetable dishes made with authentic care.

    The build-your-own bento concept is such a clever idea. I literally stood in front of the display for the longest time trying to decide what to pick.

    Vyen Shin

  • Nostalgic Kyoto Atmosphere and Warmth

    The authentic cooking and comforting Izakaya flavors evoke memories of dining in Kyoto with genuine home-style warmth.

    I felt like I had been taken back to Kyoto visiting my favourite Izakaya.

    Jane Purdevski

  • Gentle and Wholesome Nourishment

    Dishes are vegetable-forward and thoughtfully prepared to deliver a nourishing meal that feels satisfying without being heavy.

    all of them are vegetable-based and seasoned in a way that is gentle on the body

    Yurie Kimura

  • Authentic Kyoto-Style Dining Experience

    Authentic recipes and traditional interior styling create a dining experience reminiscent of home-cooked Kyoto meals.

    It's a Kyoto style home-cooked food that focuses more on vegetables and minimal waste.

    Hanmo Li

  • Intimate and Cozy Counter Seating

    Counter seats and thoughtfully arranged Japanese accents offer an intimate, welcoming setting suited for solo diners and pairs.

    the interior was gorgeous and cozy, with counter seats perfect for a solo dinner or lunch

    stephanie k

Signature home-style sets and standout main selections

  • Signature Obanzai Bento

    The standout here is easily the Signature Obanzai Bento, the most unique thing on the menu. You get to build your own combination across mains, rice, and a spread of obanzai veggies from their display fridge.

    Ronaldo Kurswell (Kurswell)

  • Miso Eggplant

    The side dishes tasted fine, with the miso egg plant being the best.

    Anna

  • Miso Black Cod

    Miso black cod: so soft and tender! Amazing 😍

    Hanmo Li

  • Wagyu Wrapped Asparagus & Carrot

    I had the pan-fried wagyu beef wrapped with asparagus and carrot (SO good, tender and flavorful)

    jodigaga

Other favorites

Savory accompaniments, specialty sandwiches, and drinks

  • Miso Soup

    I got a miso soup too, which was good.

    stephanie k

  • Dashimaki Tamago Egg Katsu Sandwich

    Also tried the Dashimaki Tamago Egg Katsu Sandwich and don’t sleep on this one. It sounds simple but the execution is clever: the outer layer of the egg has this satisfying crispy texture that you wouldn’t expect from an egg sandwich. Really unique.

    Ronaldo Kurswell (Kurswell)

  • Lotus Root Salad

    The tamagoyaki was easily my favorite, followed by the lotus root, then the cucumber.

    stephanie k

  • Umeshu

    can't go wrong with umeshu

    Hanmo Li

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful home-style hospitality and attentive dining details

  • Dietary substitutions and rice swaps

    Staff accommodate individual dietary needs on request, effortlessly substituting rice with an additional vegetable side dish.

  • Guided counter ordering and recommendations

    Guests are guided through the custom selection process with thoughtful side recommendations, such as marinated eggplant.

  • Cozy Japanese reading materials and decor

    The intimate dining space features authentic Japanese grandmother-style home accents and Japanese magazines available for guests to read.

  • Helpful vegan and ingredient guidance

    Servers proactively inform diners about ingredients and clarify which side dishes are strictly vegan before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ordering a bento box work?

You can build your own bento by pairing a main protein or vegetarian dish with your choice of small seasonal vegetable side dishes (obanzai) selected directly from the display counter or fridge, served with rice. All-vegetable plates with multiple side bowls are also available.

What is the seating arrangement like, and should I expect a wait?

The dining space is cozy and compact, featuring shared tables and counter seating that can feel tight or cramped during peak lunch and dinner times. Expect potential queues or short waits during rush periods, though visiting during off-peak times or right at opening helps secure immediate seating.

Can I order takeaway or grab pre-made items?

Yes, Obanzai Mama offers takeaway. You can select your favorite obanzai sides to go, or grab prepacked bento boxes, onigiri, and salads from the takeout fridge section. Popular takeout items like rice balls and housemade desserts tend to sell out earlier in the day.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options available?

Yes, Obanzai Mama offers ample plant-based choices, including an all-vegetable obanzai plate where you choose multiple vegetable side dishes. While many salads and sides are naturally vegetarian or vegan, staff are on hand to clarify specific ingredients and dietary preparations.

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