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14/20Critics' Pick

Ima Asa Yoru

Updated ,first published

Ima Asa Yoru in Brunswick.
1 / 12Ima Asa Yoru in Brunswick.Eddie Jim
Beef tataki.
2 / 12Beef tataki.Supplied
Kobore sushi.
3 / 12Kobore sushi.Supplied
The exterior of Ima Asa Yoru.
4 / 12The exterior of Ima Asa Yoru.Supplied
Motsu.
5 / 12Motsu.Supplied
Smoked kingfish and potato croquettes.
6 / 12Smoked kingfish and potato croquettes.Eddie Jim
Wood-fired flank steak.
7 / 12Wood-fired flank steak.Eddie Jim
Mazesoba noodles.
8 / 12Mazesoba noodles.Wayne Taylor
Prawn heads.
9 / 12Prawn heads.Eddie Jim
Braised and grilled sugarloaf cabbage.
10 / 12Braised and grilled sugarloaf cabbage.Eddie Jim
Teishoku (rice set meal) with grilled fish.
11 / 12Teishoku (rice set meal) with grilled fish.Wayne Taylor
Bright blue noren surrounds the bar.
12 / 12Bright blue noren surrounds the bar.Eddie Jim
14/20Critics' Pick

Ima Asa Yoru

Japanese$$

Day-to-night dining dressed in Yves Klein blue.

There’s lofty ambition across this multifaceted business: a small team runs two different but equally impressive menus while keeping the venue low-waste and sustainable. Rice leftover from preparing the generous teishoku set meals is turned into congee, or perhaps magicked into cheesy mushroom and prawn doria, a rich Japanese gratin.

Konbu used in dashi stock is transformed into a condiment that seasons takeaway onigiri. The industrial space below a Brunswick apartment block has high ceilings and bright artworks that set a casual-chic atmosphere during the day before transforming into a surprisingly intimate spot for post-sunset snacks and sake.

Incredibly tender grilled squid is a smoky, lemony must-order, as is golden chicken karaage with wildly addictive ginger and black pepper vinaigrette. Can’t get enough? Pop into neighbouring Ima Pantry for a beautiful edit of Japanese groceries and takeaways.

Best for: Deepening your appreciation of sake through the beautifully described and curated selection.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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