Degustation in Melbourne CBD: A Korean Degustation Menu
Degustation is the French word Melbourne uses for a multi-course meal set by the kitchen. Rōnin serves one, with the courses Korean and the decisions made on the night rather than the week before. Ten seats, one chef, about ten courses, A$195 (no prepayment required).
Degustation is the word Melbourne uses most for a chef chosen run of courses, far more than tasting menu. Rōnin’s degustation menu is Korean, served at a 10 seat counter on Little Collins Street in the CBD.
If you have done the city’s degustation rooms and want a different cuisine at a smaller scale, this page tells you what to expect.
Degustation at a Counter
In a degustation room the courses are planned and plated in a kitchen you never see. At Rōnin they are decided and finished in front of you. That changes the pacing, the conversation, and how much you learn about what you are eating. The chef’s table page describes the counter itself.
What a Korean Degustation Holds
Banchan as opening courses, cured and raw dishes seasoned with jang, charcoal cooked meat or seafood, a noodle or rice course, a Korean leaning dessert. The seasoning comes from fermentation made in house. The Korean omakase page goes further into the cooking, and banchan has its own article.
Against Melbourne's Other Degustations
The best known degustations in the city are French, modern Australian or Japanese. Chae in the Dandenongs is the other Korean name, with 24 seats a week and a long waiting list. Rōnin is in the CBD, seats ten a night, and releases a month of seats on the 20th of each month.
Price, Hours and Booking
A$195 per guest (no prepayment required), paid at the end of the meal. Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm, dinner only. Seats open on the 20th at 8pm via OpenTable. No dietary alterations, no BYO.
How to Pick the Best Degustation in Melbourne
The best degustation menu in Melbourne for you comes down to three questions: how long you want to sit, what you want to spend, and whether you want a room or a counter. The CBD fine dining comparison covers the room options. At Rōnin the degustation is about ten Korean courses over two hours at a ten seat counter.
FAQ
How long does the degustation take?
About two hours for roughly ten courses.
Is there a matched wine option?
Drinks are ordered at the counter on the night. There is no fixed pairing and BYO is not available.
Can the degustation be adapted for allergies?
No. One chef cooks one sequence for the whole counter. Please read the dietary page before booking.
What is the difference between degustation and omakase?
A degustation is set by the kitchen in advance. An omakase is decided by the chef on the day. Rōnin is an omakase, so it is a degustation whose courses are chosen in front of you.
Where is a degustation in Melbourne CBD?
Rōnin is at 445 Little Collins St, between William and Queen Streets. The degustation menu is about ten Korean courses at A$195 (no prepayment required).
What is the best degustation in Melbourne CBD?
There is no single answer. Vue de Monde runs a tasting menu of around fourteen courses at A$380. Rōnin runs a Korean degustation of about ten courses at a ten seat counter, A$195 (no prepayment required).
Where is the best degustation menu in Melbourne for a small group?
A counter suits a small group because everyone faces the chef. A group of up to ten can book all of Rōnin’s seats on one night.
Book a Seat
445 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Wed to Sat, 6pm to 11pm (dinner only)
0401 721 491 | info@roninomakase.com
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