Is Omakase Worth It in Melbourne? An Honest Answer From a Ten Seat Counter
Omakase in Melbourne costs between about A$195 and A$380 a head before drinks, so the question is fair. The honest answer from a restaurant that sells it: worth it for some people on some nights, and not for others, and the difference is predictable.
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.
Who Gets the Most From a Counter
People who like being cooked for and talked to. People who would rather be surprised than choose. Couples who want something to talk about every ten minutes. Anyone who has eaten a cuisine from a menu for years and wants to see what a chef does with it unconstrained. Two hours at a counter delivers all of that in a way a dining room cannot.
Who Should Book Somewhere Else
Anyone with a dietary restriction, because counters cannot alter courses. Anyone who wants to control portion, pace or spice. Anyone whose idea of a good dinner is a menu and a long wine list to read. Large groups who want to split and share. For those nights, the CBD has excellent a la carte rooms, and the fine dining comparison names them.
What A$195 Buys at Rōnin
About ten courses over two hours, every one plated in front of you by the chef, with commentary. Drinks on top. No service charge surprises: the price shows in full on OpenTable before you pay. The price page compares it with the city’s other counters, which run from around A$195 to A$325.
If You Have Never Done It
Pick a counter whose cuisine you already like, book a midweek seat, arrive early, and read what to expect at your first omakase. The worst outcome is a good dinner you found slightly long. The best is a new habit.
Common Questions
How much is omakase in Melbourne?
Published 2026 prices run from about A$195 at Rōnin and Kisumé to A$325 at Minamishima and A$380 for Vue de Monde’s tasting menu.
Is omakase good value?
Per course, yes: ten chef cooked courses at A$195 is under A$20 a plate. Per hour of attention from the chef, it is the best value in the city. Whether it is worth it to you depends on whether you want that.
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