Sakana Japanese Cafe

I challenge anyone having a rough day to eat at Sakana and not feel better about the world. This little Japanese place in Preston has certainly seen me through a few ‘I didn’t sign up for this’ moments. Spend a bit of quiet time hunched over a bowl of soup and noodles, and things become clearer.

Sakana’s interior is humble, with just a few tables, bright lighting and basic décor. But thanks to Owen Ouyang and his smiley team the atmosphere is calm and welcoming.

Last week I shared a lazy lunch with a couple some friends here, and we ended up having a good go at most sections of the menu. First up, miso soup ($2). There is nothing like a thin broth to make you feel virtuous. From there we moved to Bento A ($13.60), a collection of sushi, gyoza, spring rolls and tempura prawns. So good. Strictly speaking the prawns were more crumbed than tempura, but when food tastes so good I’m not going to quibble over labels. The only problem? Four prawns, three people. A game of Rock, Paper Scissors sorted the problem right out.

Next stop, mains. The Katsu Don Rice ($8.50) – crumbed pork with egg and rice – was a revelation in its simplicity and yumminess. As my friend said, “the Katsu’s out of the bag”. Yep, is Don … is good. Ok I’ll stop. I can also highly recommend the Ma Bo Nasu Rice ($7.60) and the Chicken (or beef) Fried Udon Noodle ($9.20). Excellent.

Being the Western gluttons we are, we ordered dessert. In our defence we shared only a wee cup of refreshing green tea ice cream ($2.50). The ice cream kind of looked like wasabi. File that away under ‘Excellent Practical Joke’.

All this plus a soft drink came to under $20 each. Amazing considering we had a real blow out. My only gripe is the discrepancy between the prices on the printed menu versus the board above the counter. Probably a bit confusing if ordering take-away over the phone.

I’m no authority on Japanese cuisine, but I know for sure that the food at Sakana is cheap and delicious, and eating there makes me feel good. Get on board people.

SAKANA
491 High St Preston
(03) 9478 4628
Mon – Sat 10.30am till 9pm