Tipping and Service Charges at an Omakase in Australia
Visitors ask this more than locals do. Australia has no tipping culture: staff are paid award wages, and a tip is a gesture rather than an expectation, at an omakase counter as anywhere else. What catches people out instead are service charges, weekend surcharges and deposits, which vary by restaurant. This page sets out the common ones.
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.
Not Expected, Never Required
No omakase counter in Melbourne expects a tip. If a night was exceptional and you want to leave something, it will be received kindly; if you do not, nobody will think about it. The price you were quoted is the price.
Where They Appear
Some restaurants add a percentage. Akaiito’s site lists 6.5% on weekdays, 10% on weekends and 15% on public holidays. Ishizuka lists a 10% service fee for groups of six or more. Crown venues including Nobu apply a Sunday surcharge and a card surcharge. These are published by the venues and worth reading before booking.
Prepaid Versus Deposit
Counters protect themselves from no-shows one of two ways. Ishizuka takes a A$100 deposit with the balance on the night. Rōnin takes the full A$195 at booking, refundable up to 48 hours before; drinks are the only addition on the night, and any date-specific pricing is shown on OpenTable before you pay. The price page has the detail.
Surcharges
Card surcharges of around 1% to 1.5% are common in Australia and some venues apply them. Rōnin’s booking is paid online through OpenTable at the time of reservation.
Common Questions
Do I need to tip at Rōnin?
No. Tipping is not expected anywhere in Australia, including at Rōnin.
Does Rōnin add a service charge?
The price you see on OpenTable when you book is the price you pay for the omakase. Drinks are added on the night.
Why do omakase counters take payment in advance?
Ten seats cannot absorb a no-show. Prepayment keeps the price lower than it would otherwise be.
Book a Seat
445 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Wed to Sat, 6pm to 11pm (dinner only)
0401 721 491 | info@roninomakase.com