🍣Hidden Gem Lunch at Izakaya Miyazaki🥩

Looking for a place to eat in Melbourne CBD turned into one of those unexpectedly great food discoveries. A small sign for Izakaya Miyazaki leading down into a basement off Russell Street caught attention, and that little bit of curiosity led to an excellent lunch experience.

First impressions

Izakaya Miyazaki has the kind of tucked-away feel that makes the experience more memorable. Once inside, the restaurant felt intimate, calm, and not overly crowded, which made lunch feel relaxed and enjoyable.

The staff were friendly and accommodating, helping create a welcoming atmosphere from the start. That warm service matched the restaurant’s quiet, cozy setting and made the visit even better.

Food highlights

Everything ordered was delicious, but the standout was the Miyazaki 12+ Wagyu. It was rich, tender, and truly melted in the mouth, making it the clear highlight of the meal.

Another fun part of the visit was getting to try their Japanese costume, which added a playful and memorable touch to the dining experience.

Price

This is not exactly a cheap lunch spot, so it is worth coming prepared. A good guide is to budget at least $100 per person, especially if ordering premium items from the menu.

The visit came to almost $200 without much drinks, but the quality of the food and the overall experience made it feel worth it. For a meal built around premium Wagyu and a more intimate dining atmosphere, the price felt justified.

What izakaya means

I have read a lot of izakaya restaurants but this is the moment that I finally searched what does it mean. LOL An izakaya is a casual Japanese bar or pub where people gather to drink and share small dishes in a relaxed setting. The style is social and welcoming, often compared to a pub or tapas bar, but with more emphasis on shared Japanese food.

That made Izakaya Miyazaki feel even more fitting, because it captured that intimate and laid-back atmosphere while serving high-quality Japanese food.

Thoughts

What started as an accidental discovery turned into an awesome lunch in the city. For anyone looking for a quiet Japanese spot with excellent food, standout Wagyu, and a cozy basement setting, Izakaya Miyazaki is well worth checking out.🍣