PROFILED BY THE GROOTS MEDIA
Located in the Crown Entertainment Complex at Melbourne’s Southbank is Koko, one of the state’s premiere Japanese restaurants. Koko is known for its serene setting as it attempts to recapture the tranquility of Japan aided by a beautiful water feature garden that takes pride of place in the restaurant. There’s much on offer here with teppanyaki and a la carte tables, a sake bar, sushi bar and tatami and teppanyaki rooms, all with breathtaking views of the Yarra River and Melbourne city skyline.
Chef de cuisine, Allan Koh, has put together a seasonally changing menu that reflects his passion for seafood. For excellent value at lunch time choose from a selection of set menu options, all for $33.50, all served with a small appetiser, miso soup, steamed rice and ice-cream. From the a la carte menu choose an entree of braised baby abalone and seasonal vegetables. Follow with a main such as the trio of braised leg, roast breast and poached duck dumplings. Finish with green tea or rice ice-cream. A variety of set menu options are available, ranging in price, as well as an extensive sushi and sashimi selection. The extensive wine list of predominantly Australian and New Zealand varieties also boasts a large sake (Japanese rice wine) selection.
LOCATION
On Level 3 at Crown Towers, Southbank
DETAILS
The restaurant features teppanyaki and á la carte tables, a sake bar and a sushi bar, as well as tatami and teppanyaki rooms, all overlooking the Yarra River and city skyline. The menu changes seasonally and reflects Chef de Cuisine Allan Koh’s passion for fresh seafood. Enjoy expertly made sashimi and sushi, udon noodles, teriyaki and tempura. Professional and efficient service, traditional Japanese architecture merged with contemporary design, and world class cuisine all combine to make Koko an unforgettable dining experience.
PRIVATE DINING
There are 1 x private Teppanyaki room cater for 4 to 6, 2 x rooms cater for 6 to 8 and 1 x room for 10 to 12 people. An A La Carte private room of 12 to 14 or up to 26.
Average cost/ main meal
Teppanyaki from $32, a-la-carte from $30, average check $85 per person.
Chef de Cuisine – Allan Koh
Allan Koh has played an integral role in the development of modern Japanese cuisine in Australia. His passion for cooking began working in his family’s wholesale seafood business in Malaysia, where his key role was ensuring the product quality was of the highest standard. This attention to detail has been the cornerstone of his career as a chef at Melbourne’s leading restaurants including Chinois, B Coz and Waterfront Seafood Restaurant.