Udon Izakaya Maedaya

This place is such a great little reminder of Japan. There’s all you can drink saki menu and a variety of Japanese drinks. The decor feels just like sitting in a little noodle shop in Tokyo somewhere.
There’s a line outside at busy times but this can move quickly.
The food is quick to come out and tastes great and has been consistent each time I go for dinner.

They are needing staff so orders might take a few minutes but the food comes out quickly once order is take. Or apply for a job while you wait!

Despite the fact that food is always below adequate (e.g. Raw fried chicken, frozen onigiri, etc) sometimes it's good to have my home country's food.
Sake selection's good and FOH staff is always friendly and nice though!

A hidden gem for probably the most authentic Japanese food in Melbourne with an impeccable quality, value and satisfaction. Easy, quick and serves fast too - quite a typical izakaya in Japan found in Melbourne.

Really lovely authentic Udon bar. Have never had a bad dish here. Gyu don and karaage are not to be missed. Takeaway bentos for less than $10 are great value. Staff are helpful and friendly.

This is a great representation of a fairly typical izakaya in Japan. Sure, it's a bit bigger and slightly less rustic but it's menu and people are the real deal and that's the most important thing. I'll be back here.

Not normally a takoyaki fan but they make great ones here. I've always enjoyed their tempura vegetables and am adding the kale and beef salad to the list!

A busy Japanese restaurant in the heart of the city. They offer a good choice of saké and variety of Japanese food choices. I tried sashimi and it was fresh and nice. May feel bit packed in busy hours. Staff is so friendly.

The decorations are great, staff are friendly and flavours are good.
First restaurant I have been to with a friend since lockdown ended.
Dons starting from $9.80. Good, healthy portions.

Price: $
Ordered:
Wagyu salad: minced beef but could not taste if they are wagyu, anyways the taste is not bad for that price.
Vegetables tempura: I ordered it every time I went to a Japanese restaurant and like always they are normally good
Amakara karaage Don: sweet chicken and taste good. And rice under the chicken.
Daifu (mocha) : a little ice cream In the middle and yum.
Special: They have a alcohol-free set for $35/pp.

Japanese sake bar with great all you can drink offers of sake, happy hour and karaage & kirin (pint of beer and 3 pieces of traditional fried chicken for $ 12). The service is fast and typical of this style of bar. The only sore point: too many dishes on the menu were not available: there was an immensity of 'sold out' labels on the menu. Try the fried octopus & the eel!

Insta: melbfoodie_mark
YT: MelbFoodieMark
** Check them out for more food reviews in Melbourne!
-
A bustling izakaya on bourke street always fully packed. Decided to finally visit after passing by it multiple times. Spacious inside but didn't like how tables were so close to each other. However, service was friendly and prompt - but a bit slow due to lack of staff.

We ordered Maedaya Chips ($5.5), Momo Yakitori ($12), Poke Salad ($10), and a jug of lemon Shochu-Highball also known as Chuhai ($20). My favourite was Momo Yakitori. I wouldn't say it was exactly authentic but they were the freshest and juiciest grilled chicken thighs I've ever had. Each skewer had different flavours: garlic, chili, curry, spicy miso, and herb salt - they all tasted great. Maedaya Chips was also delicious with Ebisu soy sauce sprayed on top finished off with Aonori - savoury with umami twist. We also tried lemon chuhai which was refreshing with a citric kick - didn't taste like alcohol at all! Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience. Will definitely visit again in the near future.

Great food and lovely staff. The dish katsudon is something spectacular that I would recommend to anyone

Really excellent place for udon. Loved the Vegetable Tempura Udon. Ambiance is brilliant. Staff are very kind and helpful.

Food wise. I would like to say it is valuable.
Reasonable price but more nicer than price
Beer sector is really interesting! There are so many unique things but one bottle of beer starts from $12 to $14.5 expensive but good to try if you are foody

Delicious noodles. Their chicken both the Karage and Tempura was tender and juicy with crispy coating. Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu

The best Izakaya in Melbourne right now. Fairly priced, delicious Japanese pub eats. Free refills on lemon chu-high cocktail jugs. They also serve all you can drink sake for those brave enough for it!

Nice traditional Japanese dining interior. Welcoming staff and relaxed ambiance but the place is quite cramped and hot.

Chips extremely crisp with spicy seasoning. A recommended and same goes with the squid that is perfectly paired with the kewpie mayo.

The pork belly yakitori has the most tender meat with a soft fatty fat. The 5 skewers are individually seasoned and great for sharing.

The tempura veggies with udon is well valued. A generous amount of udon and crisp vegetables which are sourced locally. The hotpot is also great whether eaten on its own or shared though there was a lack of mushroom and meat.