If you've got a thing for rare sake, French wines, A-grade sashimi or elevated fusion fare, then there's a new spot in Armadale that deserves a spot at the top of your dining-out list. Bansho is a luxe bistro that's nailing all of the above, aided by the genius of executive chef Tomotaka Ishizuka (Ishizuka, Kisumé, Koko), whose creative menu blends the finesse of modern French cooking methods with traditional Japanese technique.
Think koji-marinated duck breast that’s been dry-aged for one week and served with a black garlic and beetroot puree, smoked eggplant and mirin red wine reduction sauce. Or the sumptuously silky chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard dish) with spanner crab, celeriac, vichyssoise and Avruga caviar. Yes, it's premium stuff, but the environment is too comfy to be ultra-formal.
At the tail end of 2023, passionate husband-and-wife duo Larry Xie and Mira Wu opened the neighbourhood restaurant on High Street. It’s their first foray into Melbourne’s food scene – they previously ran two Mugen House Japanese restaurants in Adelaide – and an homage to their twin loves of dining and design.
“My wife Mira and I both absolutely love French cuisine – we have had a lot of beautiful meals at French restaurants around the globe in cities like New York, Chicago, Tokyo, Shanghai and many more,” shares Xie. “We also share a deep love for Japanese cuisine, and we wanted to combine the two in a non-traditional way in a new concept here in Melbourne.”
An expert sushi team comprising mainly female chefs handcraft fresh sushi and sashimi as part of the menu, with separate plant-based sushi options available upon request. Feast on cured King George whiting and bluefin tuna belly or enjoy the sprightly joys of paradise prawn paired with yuzu zest. However you decide to experience Bansho, there's something for everyone.
A well-stocked bar is the centrepiece of the restaurant, from which guests can sample the restaurant's exciting range of local drops, French wines and Japanese sake, plus a Japanese-leaning cocktail list (including Midori Sours and Sakuri Martinis).
Keen for a table? Learn more and make a booking at the website.