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14.5/20

Robata

Updated ,first published

Dishes at Robata.
1 / 13Dishes at Robata.Supplied
Inside Robata.
2 / 13Inside Robata.Darrian Traynor
Firing up the grill.
3 / 13Firing up the grill.Supplied
Mochi wrapped with fillings like raspberry and condensed milk.
4 / 13Mochi wrapped with fillings like raspberry and condensed milk.Supplied
Bento boxes.
5 / 13Bento boxes.Supplied
Sashimi.
6 / 13Sashimi.Wayne Taylor
Robata’s handroll.
7 / 13Robata’s handroll.Darrian Traynor
O’Connor steaks are cooked over a robatayaki grill.
8 / 13O’Connor steaks are cooked over a robatayaki grill.Supplied
Wagyu nigiri.
9 / 13Wagyu nigiri.Darrian Traynor
Skewers platter.
10 / 13Skewers platter.Darrian Traynor
Katsu sandwich.
11 / 13Katsu sandwich.Jake Roden
Chocolate and Japanese whisky.
12 / 13Chocolate and Japanese whisky.Darrian Traynor.
Ponzu sashimi.
13 / 13Ponzu sashimi.Supplied
14.5/20

Robata

Japanese$$

Flaming good fun in a futuristic-feeling room.

Those craving a hit of Tokyo cool will find their appetite sated at this energetic, neon-lit restaurant that cranks out fire-licked dishes to a young crowd. Kick off with a spicy margarita, its rim dipped in shichimi salt, then let breezy, well-versed waitstaff guide you towards a sake for your next bite.

That might be a sando stacked with egg salad and crumbed scallop, or a skewer of baby squid cooked over charcoal. Smoky pork cutlet is grilled, sliced and dressed with wakame oil and a sweet teriyaki-like sauce. Some portions skew small, so order generously.

The supple magic of handmade mochi, perhaps flecked with frozen raspberry, is a high note to end on. Close to sporting grounds and theatres, Robata is ideal dining before or after, though with its flame-tastic open kitchen and atmospheric surrounds, it offers entertaining theatre all its own.

Must-order: The effortlessly chewy mochi ice-cream, which is handmade daily.

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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