Pabu Grill & Sake

Pabu Grill & Sake

Known for freshness, flavour, creativity and technicality, Japanese cuisine has a new home on Melbourne's unassuming Smith street with Pabu Grill & Sake, meaning -Pub' in Japanese, in a trendy space designed by Architects EAT with a chef of more than 25 years experience.

Created by Anura Delpa Chitra in partnership with Pabu owner, Khoa Nguygen, the menu
celebrates the best of Japanese cuisine and menu favourites come from a specialty Yakitori grill that gently infuses from smoking bamboo in dishes such as sweet miso tiger prawns or scallops wrapped in bacon.

A highlight of the restaurant is its extensive sake menu developed by Nguyen's friend, sake master Toshi Maeda and the banquet menu (A taste of Pabu) facilitates sake matching with pairings like Onigoroshi Junmai a fruity fragrant, smooth and light flavoured sake alongside thinly sliced fresh kingfish, jalapeños and yuzu soy, that diners watch eagerly prepared and plated from the open sushi sashimi bar.

New to Pabu's rich spring menu, Nabe, a soba noodle dish with tempura prawn and fish broth is cooked and served in a theatrical flaming hot pot Khoa Nguyen, bought back from his last research trip to Japan. 'My passion is to inspire, engage and bring guests together as they graze through our menu learning the delights and significance of sake in Japanese dining culture." Said Nguyen.

A friendly and warm service from passionate, knowledgeable staff boasting an inherent love of Japanese hospitality are further reasons the buzzing energy of Pabu's dining room is an enjoyable experience. Guests with dietary requirements are well catered for with an exclusively coeliac and vegan friendly menu providing a full dining experience.

The extensive sake menu featuring 30 offerings guides sake virgins through daily specials, flavour profiles and the principles of drinking it. For those who prefer it mixed, Pabu's enticing sake cocktails include Pomme Saketini, a perfectly balanced drink from sweet start to citrus finish shaken with a Japanese Plum wine and fresh lychee juice.

Set in a uniquely Japanese fit out by Architects EAT, with artwork by artist Hiroyasu Tsuri
framing the walls along with soft timber, Pabu diners enjoy the playful approach to design. Brightly coloured stools in yellow, red and blue feature with Japanese pottery and a variety of light fittings play their role perfectly to create an ambient dining environment reminiscent of the fun and animated feeling of a Pabu in Tokyo.

Pabu Grill & Sake
190 Smith Street Collingwood
(03) 9419 6141
pabu.com.au