Kisumé Chef's Table vs Rōnin: Two Omakase Counters in Melbourne CBD
When people ask where to book a chef’s table in Melbourne, Kisumé is the name that comes back every time, and Kuro Kisumé’s private rooms are the city’s best known for that format. Rōnin is a few blocks west on Little Collins Street with the same idea at a smaller scale and a different cuisine. This page sets the two side by side.
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.
Japanese Omakase Versus Korean
Kisumé’s Chef’s Table is a fixed Japanese omakase, sushi led, at a twelve seat counter at 175 Flinders Lane. OpenTable’s listing notes it cannot accommodate seafood, shellfish or gluten allergies or vegetarian diets, which is the same honesty Rōnin applies. Rōnin’s courses are Korean: jang, ferments, charcoal, banchan, no nigiri.
What the Listings Say
OpenTable listings in 2026 show Kisumé’s Chef’s Table at around A$220 midweek and A$245 on Friday and Saturday; earlier listings showed A$195 dinner and A$165 lunch, so check the current figure. Rōnin is A$195 every night. The price page compares the whole city.
Twelve in a Large Restaurant, Ten in a Small One
Kisumé’s counter sits inside a multi-level restaurant with bars and private dining rooms that seat up to 40. Rōnin is only the counter: ten seats, one chef, and the whole room can be booked by one group. For a group larger than ten, Kuro Kisumé’s rooms are the natural choice; for ten or fewer who want the chef to themselves, Rōnin.
A Fair Summary
Japanese sushi omakase with a big restaurant around it: Kisumé. Korean omakase in a room small enough to take over: Rōnin. Rōnin’s chef’s table page and the buyout page cover the Rōnin side in detail.
Common Questions
Is Rōnin a chef’s table?
Every seat is. The restaurant is one ten seat counter facing the chef.
How far apart are Kisumé and Rōnin?
About a ten minute walk. Kisumé is at 175 Flinders Lane, Rōnin 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