One of the city’s most in-demand omakase experiences now has a spin-off, and it’s located right upstairs.
Nidaime, meaning second in Japanese, launches on 30 August at Yugen Tea Bar in South Yarra, and offers a shorter more ‘approachable’ menu priced at $175pp.
Two sittings (6pm and 8pm) will run from Wednesday and Sunday, with 8 diners sampling between 16 and 18 courses – think local oysters, kingfish sashimi, Victorian smoked eel, and unagi tomago.
“Nidaime is the perfect way for us to give diners who have missed out on a seat at Yugen Omakase another opportunity to try Yugen’s exciting and creative food,” says Stephen Nairn, LK Hospitality culinary director and CEO.
“Don’t expect a carbon copy of the happenings downstairs – Nidaime will be a more laidback entity, where our chefs will experiment with exciting new ideas to craft a shorter menu at a lower price point.”
Nidaime’s chef team will prepare dishes in front of guests, with beverage pairings beginning at $85pp for the benchmark offering and $145pp for the prestige.
Yugen is known for its premium tea portfolio alongside rare whisky and sake options as well as cocktails such as a Four Pillars gin number with kumquat and Karigane green tea.
Bookings are now open.