Teriyaki Anarchy Sake

Japanese style restaurants are no rarity in Melbourne, but Smith Street newcomer Teriyaki Anarchy Sake is bringing a bit of fresh flare to the scene.

With a relatively unassuming shop front, if not for its (literally) ballsy sign featuring a Tanuki – a mythical Japanese creature with a rather large appendage – you may miss it altogether. But Teriyaki is definitely worth the visit.

Owner Patrick Roberts has made a conscious effort to step away from the ‘authentic’ label here, instead creating a place that celebrates the Japanese take on the American Rockabilly movement.

The walls host images of music greats like Johnny Cash and The Beatles, while the shelf above the bar holds a rack of records. Diners can either choose to sit up at the long bar and watch the boys grill or take a seat at a table with friends.

With an emphasis on keeping costs for diners at a minimum, Teriyaki Anarchy Sake has a menu that allows people to eat as much or as little as their hearts (and wallets) desire. Take the Yakitori for example – at $4.50 a skewer you can choose to nibble on one with your drink or go the hole shebang and create a mixed plater from the 11 different options. We tried the salmon in white miso glaze and the marinated tofu with sweet pepper, both were wonderfully tasty.

If you’re looking for something fresh try one of the salads (all $7) like green beans with black sesame dressing. My personal favourite was the Japanese style fried chicken ($12), paired with a bowel of hot chilli fries ($8) it is the perfect partner to your Asahi on a hot summers night.

Night owls take note, the grill keeps sizzling until 11pm so if you have a late night craving for some good food let the boys at Teriyaki take care of you.

TERIYAKI ANARCHY SAKE
346 Smith St, Collingwood
Thur – Fri 5pm – 11pm
Sat – Sun 2pm – 11pm
facebook.com/TeriyakiAnarchySake