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Restaurant

Tamura Sake Bar

Unit 1/43 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Recommended by 55 people

Updated

Find Tamura Sake Bar

Unit 1/43 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9417 1992
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Tamura Sake Bar

Duck into this 20-seat Fitzroy izakaya for guided sake flights and Japanese jazz spinning on vinyl. The room is narrow, built around bar-counter seating that feels like a quiet backstreet Tokyo bolt-hole. Gertrude Street regulars drop in to explore curated pours—the crew talks through flavor profiles without an ounce of ceremony. The kitchen turns out sharp otsumami to match: charcoal yakitori skewers, crispy JFC (Japanese fried chicken), and sashimi topped with airy soy sauce foam. Finish with a steaming bowl of fish-broth ramen or a brown sugar plum negroni.

  • Guided Sake Flights: Staff walk guests through tasting flights, breaking down regional profiles with relaxed expertise.
  • Vinyl-Spun Listening Bar: Japanese jazz and funk spin on vinyl, setting an analog Tokyo-style backdrop across roughly 20 bar stools.
  • Izakaya Small Plates: Otsumami snacking ranges from chicken yakitori and crispy JFC to sashimi topped with soy sauce foam.
RestaurantSakeJapaneseBar

What's On at Tamura Sake Bar

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Tamura Sake Bar

Why visitors choose Tamura Sake Bar for vinyl records, curated sake flights, and cozy izakaya dining.

  • Analog Vinyl Soundscapes

    Turntables spin jazz, funk, and curated Japanese vinyl records, setting an authentic analog soundscape that defines the room's energy.

    Super groovy funky music played off vinyl.

    Stuart Colquhoun

  • Late-Night Tokyo Magic

    Compact counter seating, traditional izakaya fare, and retro vinyl create the transporting feel of an authentic Tokyo side-street bar.

    Sipping through the tasting platter while jazz vinyl spins in the background - pure late-night Tokyo magic!

    Din Dom

  • Guided Sake Flights

    Knowledgeable staff walk guests through guided flights, detailing the flavour profiles and heritage behind every curated pour.

    they chose amazing sakes for my friend and I to try and explained the flavours of each of them beforehand.

    Kellie Gallagher

  • Drop-In Sips & Bites

    Conveniently situated along Gertrude Street for dropping in to enjoy a quick drink, specialty cocktail, or tasting set between local stops.

    sat down at the bar & ordered a small bite tasting menu with sake both of which were very good quality & reasonably priced.

    Anthony Parker

  • Intimate Micro-Izakaya Setting

    Accommodating around 20 patrons, the cozy bar layout offers a warm setting ideal for dates and close one-on-one catchups.

    Place is small - only sits around 20 people but wouldn’t want to have it any other way tbh! Gives you a very cozy, intimate feel.

    Amelia (Amelia)

  • Cozy Date & Duo Atmosphere

    Attentive bar-side hospitality and relaxed acoustics make it effortless to converse over shared plates and drinks.

    It was quiet but good atmosphere. Nice place to chat with friends or even for dating.

    Karla Luo

Core izakaya staples and tasting flights praised by guests

  • Signature Ramen

    my personal favorite was their signature ramen. They use fish in their broth as well which gives it depth and complexity, other ramen (good as they are) tend to be just rich but this was special and so, so good.

    Amelia (Amelia)

  • Sake Flight

    The staff were also friendly in providing recommendations and explanations of the sake flight I ordered.

    Caleb Lim

  • Yakitori

    Tamura Sake Bar nailed everything from the authentic yakitori to the sashimi.

    Din Dom

  • Japanese Fried Chicken (JFC)

    The food was great - highly recommend the tuna sashimi, miso eggplant yakitori and JFC!!

    Kellie Gallagher

Other favorites

Cocktails, sides, lunch sets, and sweets to complete your visit

  • Brown Sugar Plum Negroni

    The brown sugar plum negroni was amazing.

    Kellie Gallagher

  • Matcha Cake

    a slice of the matcha cake

    Maddy Roberts

  • Agedashi Tofu Set

    an Agedashi tofu set

    Daniela

  • Spicy Momo

    The spicy momo was so delish!

    Maddy Roberts

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and artisanal touches that elevate your izakaya visit

  • Guided Sake Flight Walkthroughs

    Staff guide guests and novices through curated sake flights, explaining the unique flavor profiles and regional origins of each pour beforehand.

  • Curated Vinyl Turntable Soundscape

    The intimate bar spins physical jazz, funk, and Japanese vinyl records on active turntables to establish an analog Tokyo soundscape.

  • House-Crafted Soy Sauce Foam

    Sashimi courses are served with house soy sauce foam rather than standard dipping dishes to delicately season fresh raw cuts without dipping.

  • House-Crafted Negronis & Collaboration Brews

    The bar features custom-crafted beverage specialties, including house brown sugar plum negronis alongside exclusive venue collaboration brews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tamura Sake Bar suitable for large groups or walk-ins?

The venue is very small and intimate, seating only around 20 guests primarily at the bar counter. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended, and visits work best for solo diners, dates, or small groups of up to 4 to 6 people rather than large parties.

Can beginners get recommendations or flights for sake?

Yes, staff provide knowledgeable guidance on sake selections and tasting flights, walking guests through distinct flavor profiles whether you are a novice or looking for specific varieties.

Is the set menu filling enough for a full dinner?

The set tasting menu is composed of small bite-sized izakaya snacks rather than a full multi-course dinner. If you are seeking a hearty meal, consider supplementing with ramen, yakitori skewers, or sandos.

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