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 (no prepayment required) paid at the end of the meal, 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.
Card Hold Versus Deposit
Counters protect themselves from no-shows in different ways. Ishizuka takes a A$100 deposit with the balance on the night. Rōnin holds a card instead: nothing is charged when you book, the bill is paid at the end of the meal, and a late cancellation or no-show is charged in full. The price page has the detail.
Surcharges
Card surcharges of around 1% to 1.5% are common in Australia and some venues apply them. At Rōnin, a surcharge applies to Weekend (10%) and Public Holiday (15%).
FAQ
Do I need to tip at Rōnin?
No. Tipping is not expected anywhere in Australia, including at Rōnin.
Does Rōnin add a service charge?
No service charge is added. Surcharge applies to Weekend (10%) and Public Holiday (15%). Drinks are added on the night.
Why do omakase counters hold a card or take payment in advance?
Ten seats cannot absorb a no-show. At Rōnin a card secures the booking and late cancellations are charged in full, because ingredients are bought for the confirmed number of guests.
Book a Seat
445 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Wed to Sat, 6pm to 11pm (dinner only)
0401 721 491 | info@roninomakase.com
Guides
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Journal
Omakase Cancellation Policy at Rōnin: Why a Card Holds Your Seat · November at the Counter · What Is Banchan? Korean Side Dishes Made in House in Melbourne · 10 Seat Korean Omakase in Melbourne: Why Rōnin Keeps the Counter Small · What to Expect at Your First Omakase in Melbourne: Etiquette, Timing and Price · Korean Omakase vs Japanese Omakase in Melbourne: What Changes at the Counter · How to Book Rōnin Omakase in Melbourne: The Monthly Release on the 20th · What Melbourne's Food Press Says About Rōnin · Why There Is No Printed Menu at Rōnin Omakase, Melbourne