Bincho Boss

A modern Japanese eatery has surfaced on Little Bourke, delivering unparalleled flavours and aromas with refined finesse. 

Bincho Boss seeks to emulate Tokyo’s Yokochos – narrow alleyways where locals meet to eat, drink and relax. Stepping in off a bustling city street into Bincho is like stumbling across a secret. The chill ambience washes over you as you are enveloped by the understated, yet sophisticated decor. A neon pink glow encourages you to ‘Be a Boss’ as you saunter through the dimly-lit, Izakaya-style establishment. Side note: it’s the token Instagramable moment that is a must-have for any new restaurant.

Signature dishes at Bincho Boss are cooked on an earthen konro grill over a traditional binchō-tan, a high-quality white charcoal used in Japanese cooking. The menu is created by multi-awarded Executive Chef, Tomotaka Ishizuka and Head Chef Keiji Ishida. Japanese Izakaya-style dining is the ideal setting for after-work drinks as the small dishes that are on offer are perfect to be shared in groups. Feeling adventurous, my friend and I took the opportunity to deviate from our usual choices.

On the suggestion of the wait staff, we ordered the chilled fresh tofu, house made tofu with ginger, taro and salmon roe, under the promise that it was full of flavour. Let me be clear: neither of us are fond of tofu, and therein lay the adventure. Did we experience a life-altering moment in our regard towards tofu? No, but it was flavour-full and definitely not inedible (look, I really just don’t like the texture, okay?!). The smoked duck breast (also chilled) with mustard, sorrel, red miso was much more our style and we could have polished off endless plates. The duck was tender, practically melting in our mouths, and provided the spoonful of sugar against the tofu medicine.

From the fried section of the menu, we had crispy salmon skin with lime zest and toragashi, and tempura fishcake with cheddar and shiso – both of which were scrumptious treats, the salmon skin in particular was a surprising and unique delight. We also enjoyed the chawanmushi, a Japanese classic. Rounding up our dishes was the Kamo Nasu Dengaku: eggplant layered with smoked duck and laced with saikyo miso. This one is a must-have for lovers of miso flavour.

The highlight was the dessert menu. We treated ourselves to two and begrudgingly shared with each other. First up was the espresso cream caramel with espresso, chestnut and lotus seed. It was the perfect combination of flavours, light on the palate and wasn’t dominated by the espresso as I would have thought. Our second choice was the tempura ice cream with mixed berry jam and matcha – just so satisfyingly good!

Bincho Boss offers a quality dining experience. The service was excellent – attentive and accommodating. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and displayed the trademark minimalist restraint of Japanese culture. There is also a tempting list of cocktails on offer, but for this non-drinker, I was very pleased to be able to enjoy an elderflower mojito mocktail with my meal – always a win in my books.

Stumble upon Bincho Boss on Little Bourke for a truly authentic Japanese experience.

Bincho Boss
Open Monday to Saturday, lunch, Monday to Saturday, 11.30 to 2.30pm; dinner, Monday to Wednesday, 5.30pm to 9.30pm, Thursday to Saturday, 5.30pm to 10pm
383–385 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, 3000
binchoboss.com.au