Kambei Japanese Restaurant

Although COVID restrictions and shutdowns have been severely impeded for many months, Japanese restaurant, ballarat, is as good as time and again. we were digging there last night and marked it up again. the covid required the division with tables and rooms have led to a more open and...less formal atmosphere, but the food and service were as good as ever. a new, slightly restricted menu still contained a lot of choice and included our favorite sensational tempura, as well as excellent chicken and salmon dishes. Despite its cheerful, English, braffervescent cook/owner yutaka produces fine Japanese foods that would even love the most hesitant her. in the run of the years we have introduced some of those in kambeis dishes like terriyaki huhn and it is an instant winner. always full of aromas and juices that look so simple, but taste wonderful, the meals in this consistently excellent restaurant are good price and unforgettable. a large selection of weeping and sake is available and byo is welcomed. after the various restrictions has been opened to dinner for over a few days.

Visited Kambei for dinner and was disappointed to find that the standards have dropped. Tempura was very average (oily) and the fried eggplant dish that is one of their stand outs was poorly cooked compared to my previous visits. The Kambei banquet, which used to...offer excellent value, has now been filled out with multiple leafy salads, a weird dish that is possibly taro, and even the egg custard was curdled. So sad as I am a regular local customer and have always loved the food here. I’m thinking there is a new owner or a new chef? Either way, I felt that our meal was overpriced and disappointing for the amount of food provided and the standard, which you could find at any Japanese restaurant. After being a customer for 8 years I won’t be back unless it returns to its previous form.

Visited for lunch the first time since COVID lockdowns. The ambience of the place has gone down 100%. Tables not properly set with table clothes that don’t even fit the tables. Ordered a drink and it was brought to my table, but I had to...pour it myself. The food was lovely. But the shock was the price. In 12 months they have doubled the food price and increased the alcohol price by 43%. My meal and drink that would have cost me $26.50 12 months ago cost me $49.50. I won’t be back.

Wow... that was amazingly unexpected for Ballarat. Seriously good Japanese. Owner cook is from Japan. Passionate, generously gifted. At the end of the night we even shared a few wines. Our waitress was Russian who added to the unique experience, as she was also very well informed about the menu and loved the kitchen clearly. Have this stored in our Fav list and will be safe again. If you go through Ballarat or do the Sovereign Hill thing, put this on your list as it is for couples and also family-friendly. You have a good eating balance. Thank you Yutaka Team... we will be back!

Unbelievable. Nicely presented, delicate dishes that let the ingredients sing. Authentic Japanese. Sashimi plate very fresh