Obanzai Mama

Step off Smith Street and you’re instantly transported to a cozy Kyoto izakaya—warm, considered, and radiating a distinctly grandmother-chic aesthetic. Melbourne's most discerning Japanophiles are quietly obsessed with this space for its hyper-authentic approach to traditional home-style cooking. The absolute power move here is the Signature Obanzai Bento. You build it yourself straight from the display fridge—pairing mains like yuzu teriyaki chicken or tangy swordfish katsu with a vibrant, customized spread of obanzai (vegetable sides). The deeply savory miso eggplant and crisp lotus root salad are non-negotiables. Seeking a handheld bite? Savvy lunch-goers make a beeline for the Dashimaki Tamago Egg Katsu Sandwich—a wildly clever execution featuring fluffy egg with an unexpected crispy coating, slathered in sweet katsu sauce. Service is relentlessly sweet and effortlessly accommodating to dietary tweaks. Pro-tip: swing by during the midday rush to raid the takeout fridge—the house-made matcha cheesecake, grandma's pudding, and fresh onigiri vanish fast before dinner service.