Kenzan

14/20Critics' PickUpdated September 24, 2026,first published October 27, 2025A pioneer of high-end sushi.Salt-sprinkled edamame. Fat tempura prawns. Agedashi tofu that gets every umami receptor firing. Kenzan rocks the classics, as you’d expect of a restaurant that opened when Malcolm Fraser was prime minister. But while it predates the current omakase craze by several decades, this old-timer can still impress in the sushi department – and without the fanfare of some new players.Look no further than the pure, oceanic expression of mackerel in a ghostly shroud of kelp jelly. Good-value lunchtime sets lure the business crowd, while the theatrical tableside cooking of shabu shabu and sukiyaki is a favourite of the families who call this their celebration restaurant.Sweet, smoky grilled kingfish collar proves this stayer can indeed move with these waste-not times. There are cooler fit-outs than its sea of beige, but Kenzan is perfectly comfortable in its own skin.Best for: A rowdy, sake-fuelled group meal in a tatami room. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: 2025Continue this seriesMelbourne CBDUp nextReviewKisumeSuperior sushi and sashimi in a stealth-wealth setting.PreviouslyReviewKenanganCrowd onto the communal table for bright takes on regional specialties.See all storiesMore:MelbourneKenzanJapaneseAccepts bookingsLicensedTakeawayVegetarian-friendlyGluten-free optionsWheelchair accessPrivate dining roomFamily-friendlyGood for groupsRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideCritics’ PickFrom our partners