Tempura Hajime

Forget the overhyped spots—this 12-seat South Melbourne counter is the real deal. A masterclass in authentic *agemono*. Tempura purists will tell you this is the absolute pinnacle of fried perfection in the city. You walk in, hit the waiting lounge, and suddenly you're miles away in Tokyo. The *shokunin* works in dead-silent concentration right in front of you, pulling pristine, ethereal bites from the oil. Piping hot. Zero grease. Those lucky enough to nab a reservation usually argue over the ultimate bite—maybe the sweet potato, the unagi, or that absurdly good scallop stuffed with *uni*. Some add the sashimi and sushi courses, but the true insider move is going all-in on the tempura-only *omakase*. Intimate. Flawless. Essential dining.