MELBOURNE | Mannaka Izakaya opened earlier this year without much fanfare, towards the northern end of Elizabeth Street. It’s an izakaya-style Japanese restaurant, offering an assortment of beautifully presented, contemporary dishes. I visited recently for What’s on Melbourne.
The space, designed by local architects and designers, ARKIM, is evocative of the bright neon lights and lively atmosphere of Osaka’s Dotonbori neighbourhood. Downstairs, it’s a long, narrow space with open banquet seating and intimate booths, and a wall filled with colourful, backlit artworks nodding to Japanese landmarks and pop culture. Mizayaki animations, Glico Man, Tokyo Tower, and the like. Upstairs, it’s a similar theme, with a more open seating plan.
The menu is all about contemporary takes on izakaya favourites, with a strong nod to the dishes you’ll find in the popular city trio of Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. There’s things like rice and noodle bowls, sushi, and sandos, with some relatively keen pricing especially when it comes to lunch specials.
Mannaka Izakaya is a great option for a quick solo lunch, and also works well as a space for a big meal with friends. A great lunch option is the Mannaka 6 Treasures. It’s a bento box of six things like scallop sashimi, karaage with tartar, tamago tofu, and spicy salad, served with rice and miso soup.
The big unagi don, fluffy rice topped with a generous serve of thick, buttery, grilled eel has become a bit of a favourite since Mannaka opened. The crispy nori shell, sushi tacos are also a great option. If you’re a fan of hot pot, there are also multiple sukiyaki options.
Mannaka is fully licensed, so along with the usual selection of Japanese drinks and sodas, you’ll also find Japanese beer, sake, highballs, and more to drink.
Mannaka Izakaya
533 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: 0493 036 747
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 9:00pm