It had always been the plan to dine at Izakaya Den, it just ended up the case that we got there a little earlier than planned. We arrived at their front door (after a search for the premises - the restaurant is located in a basement of a building and the building numbers don't correspond!) at exactly opening time.
We were ushered to the bar area (tables are only reserved for 3 or more diners in a group) and handed two rolled up parchment papers tied with a rubber band. One was the menu for drinks the other for food. The waiter poured us chilled water served in panda glasses, very cute!
We ordered the tuna tartare with avocado and ginger. Not a fan of tartare, I would have enjoyed sashimi more, I think.
Unagi in a tamago - steamed, then drizzled with the sweet unagi sauce. It was very nice, especially accompanied by rice. We ordered a bowl of rice to share between the two of us.
Grilled fish with miso - I didn't quite like this, still thinking of Nobu's miso with cod that melts in the mouth... yumm.... this fish is not cod, and didn't melt in the mouth.
While we were eating, a lone diner sat next to us and striked up a conversation with one of the chefs behind the counter. All the chefs lined up behind the counter where we were seated in their respective stations. For instance, one chef was responsible for the raw fish, another steaming, grilling and deep frying, and yet another for the liquor and drinks.Anyway, this diner was telling the chef that he'd come all the way from Perth and Izakaya Den is his first stop in Melbourne because he'd heard about their food. The chef recommended their chicken karaage so we being so kiasu, also ordered one while half way through our dishes.
It was a little spicy and nicely fried. You know I can't pass on a deep fried dish!!
The food is really delicious and of good quality too. We really enjoyed dining here and will visit again!
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