Tokyo Tina Modern Japanese With a Twist
There are very few restaurants that make you feel like you’re quite possibly on another planet…in a good way.
Despite the feeling that the walls may crumble at anytime due to the very age of the building and the always popular back-alley vibe, diners are soon immersed in its funkiness.
Manga posters invite customers in, and the food keeps them here.
Welcome to Tokyo Tina. On planet Tokyo Tina, in galaxy Tokyo Tina.
We think you’ll want to stay a while.
Is It a Bird...Is it a Plane?
No, it’s Tokyo Tina.
Scoffing at the industry’s relentless pursuit of putting every eatery into a safe, culinary descriptive box, this restaurant happily shrugs its shoulders and delivers anything it pleases…and more.
And it’s working.
A chance encounter by new diners has thoughts turning to a regular booking with the shareable plates alone a good reason to return.
Fresh Kingfish Sashimi is a standout with its fellow share plates soon vying for their own share of the spotlight.
They succeed.
Make way for the Salmon Tartare or chose the Pork and Kimchi Gyoza plate.
Not to be outdone, the Crispy Chicken with five spice and lime will satisfy even the most discerning of fried food lovers.
Fans of rice bowls will be in heaven with the choices ranging from the fish filled Rainbow Bowl delight to the Korean influenced Bibimbap.
Those side dishes which are familiar to those frequenting other Japanese restaurants will take on a new life here. Spiced Edamame is one example. The yuzu mayonnaise infused potato salad is another.
For diners who plan to taste a variety of offerings, there’s no better way than to select one (or all) of the All In options.
For two or more people, this is the way to go especially for those new to Tokyo Tina. Now you and your dining guests can sample the best of all dishes.
Try the Super All In with the ever-popular Kingfish Sashimi, Spiced Chicken, Prawn Katsu, Gyoza and marinated Striploin.
Sides will accompany all dishes and of course, dessert will complete the meal.
The Classic All In plate has diners enjoying the Pork Belly Bao Buns, Salmon Tartare, with selected vegetables, rice and marinated chicken and a sweet dessert to round out the meal.
Vegans or diners wanting to have a meat free experience will love the third selection, the Vegan All In plates.
Miso baked Cauliflower will become a favourite as will the Crispy Corn Fritters in this vegetable must-have assortment.
Truly delicious, this option is the vegetable equivalent of a bag of mixed lollies.
The flavours in each of the share plates are a perfect blend of Japanese umami mixed with international spices sure to bring back diners both local and passing through town.
Accompanying beverages are not hidden away waiting to be discovered at this establishment due to the bar taking up a sizable slice of the restaurant’s real estate.
The wines, both light and full-bodied options, are a credit and a clear nod to the spotlighted Victorian varieties.
The gins and Japanese selection of interesting drinks and ales will have the uninitiated asking for assistance, whereas those in the know will already have their favourite go-to’s and cocktail preferences.
A Place for Us
Want the place to yourself?
Tokyo Tina’s private dining offering can accommodate a quiet dinner away from the chattering fellow diners or cater literally to those functions that require something special…almost clandestine.
The room itself almost insists on it.
This is the type of venue where sharing food is a given and drinks are in abundance. High-end without being stuffy or pretentious is the vibe, the experience etched in every diner’s mind from that evening forward.
For those who prefer to shut out the rest of the world, this is now your favourite Japanese slash Korean slash perfect restaurant.
For groups of 28 or less, its worth asking about the menu and how they can be at the top of the list for your next function planning.
Is there really anything that could make this private dining experience better?
How about complimentary Karaoke?
Enough said.
Setting the Scene
The history of this area is well known. Full of heritage buildings, long standing and owned family businesses, if Chapel Street, Windsor could talk it would surely be an eye-opening conversation.
The buildings remain, albeit with a bit of TLC required over the years, but this part of town still takes those who have been privy to the changing times back to the beginnings.
Restaurants and retailers may be new, but the interiors of many still carry the architecture and worn facades of the past, paying homage to the significance of the area.
For diners passing through the doors of Tokyo Tina, 66A Chapel St, Windsor is now a part of their personal culinary history.
Is it Japanese? Is it Korean? Is it Fusion?
Does it matter?
No.
Tokyo Tina, you have won a lot of fans.
Long shall you reign.
Where: 66A Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Cuisine: Japanese, Korean influenced, Modern Australian Asian
Book: sevenrooms.com Ph : 03 9525 2774
Need the perfect restaurant to take your Good Food gift card? Look no further than our extensive array of partnered restaurants. There’s something for everyone.