545-547 Mt. Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds
Hello,
As you know, we invited 11 close friends to dinner in November to mark my 32nd Birthday (15th Nov). What better way to celebrate ones birthday than with food, wine and conversation…
As you know, we invited 11 close friends to dinner in November to mark my 32nd Birthday (15th Nov). What better way to celebrate ones birthday than with food, wine and conversation…
Great company gathered intimately around an iron griddle – thank you to all!
Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word teppanyaki is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled, broiled or pan-fried.
Atmosphere: 3.5 stars
Management neatly tucked us away at the back of the restaurant in a function-like type room. In retrospect, our party was for 14 people. There was a 50th birthday party in the same room with around 30 guests which added to the commotion and somewhat vibrant atmosphere. Everything was in fast motion, except for the drink staff. Keep your jacket at arms length as the air-con was in full swing; ironic seeing as we were seated around a hot grill.
Food: 4 stars
The food was authentic, delicious, non-greasy and oh so fresh! There was a lot of variety, generous portions and an assortment of flavours. The barbequed prawn heads were a stand-out in our book.
Staff/Service: 3.5 stars
Wait staff were pleasant and composed throughout service. The service was good and our x2 Japanese Teppanyaki chefs, who in hindsight were Chinese, were very skilled at cooking and entertaining. Once they got word it was my birthday, staff scurried around initiating a personal touch; I was handed a Samurai Sword, asked to smile and given a Fuji Teppanyaki framed photo within seconds or so it felt.
Decor: 2 stars
Any decoration or added flair went unnoticed. Aside from the chopsticks, most bits and bobs were un-authentic, uninspired and very sparse. But that was only in the back room, the front section had a bit more going on.
Pricing: 3.5 stars
We opted for the $65 p/person set-menu. This did not include dessert or drinks. Overall, everyone was very satisfied and felt the quantity and quality of the food vs. the price was very reasonable and competitive. Make a note that Fuji Teppanyaki is a BYO restaurant which is a bonus.
Peace,
Giuliana, Stacey & Anna
