Nobu Melbourne Omakase vs Rōnin: Peruvian-Japanese at Crown or Korean in the CBD
Nobu is the omakase people already know the name of, and Crown’s page describes it as a chef’s choice degustation that the whole table takes part in. Rōnin is the opposite kind of room: no tables, ten counter seats, one chef. This page is for anyone weighing the famous name against the small counter.
Rōnin is a ten seat Korean omakase at 445 Little Collins St in the CBD: about ten courses decided on the day by Chef Liam Lee, A$195 per guest paid at booking, Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm, dinner only, no dietary alterations, no BYO.
Nobu Signatures Versus Korean Cooking
Nobu’s omakase comes in two seven course versions, a signature and a Melbourne one, with the Peruvian-Japanese dishes the brand is known for, such as black cod with miso, per Concrete Playground and Broadsheet. Rōnin’s courses are Korean and change with the day: jang, ferments, charcoal, banchan.
Published and Not
Nobu’s standard omakase price is not published in the listings we could find; past collaboration menus were listed at A$198 and A$248 with wine. Crown notes card and Sunday surcharges. Rōnin is A$195, paid at booking, with any date-specific pricing shown before you pay. The price page.
Dining Room Versus Counter
Nobu is a large Southbank dining room where the omakase is served to your table. Rōnin is a counter where the chef plates each course a metre away and talks to the whole room. One is a restaurant with an omakase option; the other is only the omakase.
A Fair Summary
For a recognisable brand, a table and a vegetarian option, Nobu. For a counter night that is Korean and intimate, Rōnin. Intimate fine dining in the CBD covers what ten seats changes.
Common Questions
Does Rōnin have a vegetarian omakase like Nobu?
No. Rōnin cannot alter courses. Nobu lists a vegetarian option.
Is Rōnin near Crown?
About a fifteen minute walk across the river. Rōnin is at 445 Little Collins Street.
How do I book Rōnin?
Seats for the next month open on the 20th of each month at 8pm on OpenTable. Payment is taken at booking. Modify or cancel for a full refund up to 48 hours before.
Book a Seat
445 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Wed to Sat, 6pm to 11pm (dinner only)
0401 721 491 | info@roninomakase.com