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It’s all about laughter, smiles and sharing stories over great food. What is an Izakaya? An Izakaya is a traditional Japanese pub where food and drink take centre stage, encouraging friends, families and colleagues to come together and share a delightful culinary experience. Known for its relaxed ambience, an Izakaya is a cornerstone of Japanese culture, a haven for those looking to unwind after a long day. Our venue is one of warmth and camaraderie. Formerly an ANZ Bank, the venue’s Castlemaine rock exterior is emblematic of he mid-century modern style in Victoria. Kumo is about authentic Japanese hospitality. It’s a culture of reinvention and innovation, just like Japanese food, fashion and architecture.
Classically styled bar/restaurant serving creative share platters and imported Japanese whiskeys.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 152 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia
Phone: +61 499 785 431
Website: https://kumoizakaya.com.au/
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Kumo Izakaya Melbourne | Japanese Dining & Bar
Kumo Izakaya located in Brunswick East, offering the unique culinary flavours of Izakaya cuisine. The Kumo Izakaya Melbourne experience.
Kumo Izakaya Restaurant – Brunswick East, AU-VIC | OpenTable
Book now at Kumo Izakaya in Brunswick East, AU-VIC. Explore menu, see photos and read 286 reviews: “Loved everything, great food and service.
About Us | Kumo Izakaya Melbourne
… . 183 Weston St, Brunswick East VIC 3057. Public transport: Tram: number 1 or 8, stop at 122. Kumo Google Maps. [email protected]. Instagram Facebook. Go …
Reviews
Haiyan Yang
Today there were just two of us, so we went for the Omnivore set menu. The dishes lean towards classic Japanese izakaya-style small plates—each one nicely presented and well balanced in flavour.
We also ordered an extra udon, which is honestly a must-order every time we come. The noodles are smooth and chewy, coated in a rich, savoury sauce. It’s a simple dish, but one of those flavours that really stays on your mind.
For drinks, I highly recommend the Japanese-style cocktails from the “Cocktails Japan” section. My personal favourite is the Eastern Brew—it’s sweet and tangy with a refreshing hint of pear, very unique and easy to drink.
… moreWe also ordered an extra udon, which is honestly a must-order every time we come. The noodles are smooth and chewy, coated in a rich, savoury sauce. It’s a simple dish, but one of those flavours that really stays on your mind.
For drinks, I highly recommend the Japanese-style cocktails from the “Cocktails Japan” section. My personal favourite is the Eastern Brew—it’s sweet and tangy with a refreshing hint of pear, very unique and easy to drink.
Sherry Shen
Had a really lovely dinner at Kumo Izakaya. The atmosphere was a big highlight – warm lighting, beautiful wooden interiors and a calm, relaxed vibe that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the meal.
The sashimi was excellent. We were told the fish comes from Tasmania and is export-quality for Japan, and it really showed. Very fresh, clean flavours and nicely cut, with no need for heavy seasoning.
We also loved the hot dishes. The grilled kingfish collar was perfectly cooked – crispy on the outside and tender inside. The mentaiko udon was rich and comforting without being too heavy, and the ramen gnocchi was surprisingly good and quite memorable. The tacos were fun and well balanced, and the mocktails were refreshing and paired well with the food.
Overall, a great spot for a relaxed dinner, date night or catching up with friends. Quality ingredients, thoughtful dishes and a really pleasant dining environment. Would happily come back.
… moreThe sashimi was excellent. We were told the fish comes from Tasmania and is export-quality for Japan, and it really showed. Very fresh, clean flavours and nicely cut, with no need for heavy seasoning.
We also loved the hot dishes. The grilled kingfish collar was perfectly cooked – crispy on the outside and tender inside. The mentaiko udon was rich and comforting without being too heavy, and the ramen gnocchi was surprisingly good and quite memorable. The tacos were fun and well balanced, and the mocktails were refreshing and paired well with the food.
Overall, a great spot for a relaxed dinner, date night or catching up with friends. Quality ingredients, thoughtful dishes and a really pleasant dining environment. Would happily come back.
Dani L.
10 out of 10 for quality, portion and presentation of the food, for the interior and seating space of the restaurant, also for the kind and friendly staff!! Can’t think of anything to complain about, except the beef tataki was slightly disappointing with the overly salty flavour on very thin slices of beef and small portion for the price. I sat upstairs with my friend so it was nice and quiet with good seating space. Highly recommend the sushi set, sashimi set, tempura (prawns) and CHICKEN KARAAGE!! Would definitely go back regularly for the high quality nigiri and sashimi as well as the drinks!!!
… moreShu Yi Ng
Really enjoyed the atmosphere at Kumo Izakaya — relaxed, warm, and perfect for a casual night out. The sake selection was great, and the food was well executed. The Patagonian toothfish was buttery and fresh with a well-balanced sauce, and the yellowtail kingfish with yuzu ponzu was light and refreshing. Seating options are varied, which adds to the overall experience. Would definitely come back for a laid-back dinner and drinks.
… moreIan Mann Cinematography
If you’re heading to Brunswick in Melbourne, there’s a spot I can’t recommend enough for some modern Japanese-inspired cuisine. Trust me, you can’t go wrong here. It’s easily one of the top dining experiences I’ve had in Australia.
The place was absolutely buzzing, as you’d expect on a Friday night down Lygon Street. The atmosphere was lively, with a great energy that made the whole experience really enjoyable. The service was efficient, though a bit brisk—understandable given how packed the place was. The staff were clearly working flat out to keep up with the demand.
Now, onto the food and drinks. There was a slight hiccup with the drinks arriving a bit after the starters, which was a bit of a shame. But honestly, the quality more than made up for it. Once they arrived, the drinks were fantastic. They have a great selection of classics with a Japanese twist and some house designed cocktails we ordered a mixture and found all the drinks to be outstanding.
Food-wise, there were several standout dishes. The gnocchi was a brilliant fusion of Italian and Japanese flavours—absolutely spot on. The teriyaki chicken thighs were a real showstopper, not to mention a generous portion size. The scallops were beautifully prepared as well.
Overall, the food, drinks, and vibe were all top-notch. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend giving this place a visit.
… moreThe place was absolutely buzzing, as you’d expect on a Friday night down Lygon Street. The atmosphere was lively, with a great energy that made the whole experience really enjoyable. The service was efficient, though a bit brisk—understandable given how packed the place was. The staff were clearly working flat out to keep up with the demand.
Now, onto the food and drinks. There was a slight hiccup with the drinks arriving a bit after the starters, which was a bit of a shame. But honestly, the quality more than made up for it. Once they arrived, the drinks were fantastic. They have a great selection of classics with a Japanese twist and some house designed cocktails we ordered a mixture and found all the drinks to be outstanding.
Food-wise, there were several standout dishes. The gnocchi was a brilliant fusion of Italian and Japanese flavours—absolutely spot on. The teriyaki chicken thighs were a real showstopper, not to mention a generous portion size. The scallops were beautifully prepared as well.
Overall, the food, drinks, and vibe were all top-notch. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend giving this place a visit.
Dorothy Jiao
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine inside a bank? Kumo Izakaya is set in a beautifully minimal space that used to be a mid-century bank, and now it’s one of the busiest spots on the weekend.
The atmosphere is warm and stylish, and the food is where it really shines. I loved their creative fusion dishes — especially the taco and udon, where Japanese flavours meet Western elements in a really fun, balanced way. It feels thoughtful without being over the top.
A great place for a weekend catch-up if you enjoy Japanese food with a modern twist and a unique setting.
… moreThe atmosphere is warm and stylish, and the food is where it really shines. I loved their creative fusion dishes — especially the taco and udon, where Japanese flavours meet Western elements in a really fun, balanced way. It feels thoughtful without being over the top.
A great place for a weekend catch-up if you enjoy Japanese food with a modern twist and a unique setting.
Dee TK
What an awesome place to celebrate our 5 years of togetherness! The staff were so warm and welcoming and thank you to the lovely owner who checked in and spoke to us, sharing his passion and the background of the place. We had no idea it used to be a bank!
The food was absolutely divine…we ordered so much food, but every dish was so tasty we ate every morsel and left with our bellies singing. Our fave had to be the katsu curry and the salmon and prawn tacos (still daydreaming of those 2!)
I would have taken photos of all 8 or so of our dishes, but we kinda forgot to after first bite….it was too difficult to pause!
Definitely coming back! Thank you!
… moreThe food was absolutely divine…we ordered so much food, but every dish was so tasty we ate every morsel and left with our bellies singing. Our fave had to be the katsu curry and the salmon and prawn tacos (still daydreaming of those 2!)
I would have taken photos of all 8 or so of our dishes, but we kinda forgot to after first bite….it was too difficult to pause!
Definitely coming back! Thank you!
Foodie Luwee
Kumo Izakaya is such a vibe. The tuna taco and daiquiri cheesecake are absolute must-orders, and the beef wagyu really stood out, so tender and full of flavour. It’s the perfect spot for catching up with friends or for a cozy date night. Would happily come back again.
… moreKen
One of the few Japanese restaurants that makes creative twist of innovation in their menu and are successful and highly impressive!
Outstanding food, impeccable service and a very cool (w/o trying) ambience. Quiet a treat to dine here yesterday.
… moreOutstanding food, impeccable service and a very cool (w/o trying) ambience. Quiet a treat to dine here yesterday.
karina Huang
An unforgettable fusion experience in a stunning setting!
We had an incredible dinner at Kumo Izakaya. The vibe is absolutely unique—housed in a converted heritage bank, it blends industrial elements with traditional Japanese decor. The original vault door is now a sake room! It’s a feast for the eyes.
The food was exceptional. We ordered the prawn and tuna tacos (incredibly fresh and crunchy), the salmon sashimi, and the grilled salmon (perfectly caramelised). The star was the Signature Udon—featured on Netflix! The noodles were so chewy and the creamy sauce with the giant Skull Island prawn was divine. The Black Angus curry was rich and comforting, and the Eggplant Dengaku was a flavour explosion. Don’t miss the Matcha Panna Cotta for dessert; it was the perfect balance of bitter and sweet.
A huge thank you to the staff for being so family-friendly. They gifted our child a lucky cat (maneki-neko) chopstick set which made their night! The service was attentive and warm.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for creative Japanese fusion, a stunning atmosphere, or a great meal with kids. We will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!
… moreWe had an incredible dinner at Kumo Izakaya. The vibe is absolutely unique—housed in a converted heritage bank, it blends industrial elements with traditional Japanese decor. The original vault door is now a sake room! It’s a feast for the eyes.
The food was exceptional. We ordered the prawn and tuna tacos (incredibly fresh and crunchy), the salmon sashimi, and the grilled salmon (perfectly caramelised). The star was the Signature Udon—featured on Netflix! The noodles were so chewy and the creamy sauce with the giant Skull Island prawn was divine. The Black Angus curry was rich and comforting, and the Eggplant Dengaku was a flavour explosion. Don’t miss the Matcha Panna Cotta for dessert; it was the perfect balance of bitter and sweet.
A huge thank you to the staff for being so family-friendly. They gifted our child a lucky cat (maneki-neko) chopstick set which made their night! The service was attentive and warm.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for creative Japanese fusion, a stunning atmosphere, or a great meal with kids. We will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!