Tokyo Tina

Contemporary Japanese fusion is given a hip, fun twist at this popular Windsor venue where the kitchen really knows how to cook Eggplant.

Tokyo Tina

Location: 66A Chapel St, Windsor, VIC 3181 Ph: (03) 9525 2774

On a Thursday night when there’s still a distinct chill in the air, the St Kilda end of Chapel Street is buzzing. And no place less so than contemporary Japanese restaurant Tokyo Tina.

This Windsor favourite has been trotting out original fusion-leaning share plates for a number of years now and it’s popularity shows no sign of waning.

And nor should it when the vibe is lively, the service charming and efficient, and the food a reliable balance between innovative and delicious. And let’s not forget the allure of the Karaoke Room and all-round-good-time of Tina’s Drag Queen-led Bingo Academy. The latter pairs games and humour with Bottomless Food + Booze for a bargain ($79pp).

The Space

The exterior of Tokyo Tina is pretty distinctive in a thriving strip of shops and eateries. Above the doorway and windows there are vintage Japanese advertising posters, promoting items such as Instant Curry, along with a row of old-style light bulbs.

Through the venetian blinds, the interior of the restaurant is atmospheric and cosy. The focal point of the dining space is a large, green-tiled bar. The ceiling is comparatively low and wooden slated. The floor is concrete. Diners eat at a mix of timber tables and chairs. To one side of the bar there are high tables and seats for couples, whilst on the other there are lower settings for 4 and more.

In addition, there is an outdoor area on the pavement in front of the premises. It’s here that we settle on the night that we visit and the wintery weather is no problem thanks to warmly glowing overhead heating.

The Food

First up, the menu at Tokyo Tina is perfect for sharing. Given this, it’s logical that the kitchen should run a number of All In (Feed Me) selections. As we are heading off to the cinema, we go for the most basic food option, the Classic All In for $69pp.

We kick off with a plate of Spiced Edamame. Salty and with just the right amount of Chilli heat, they are a fabulous beer snack (or cocktail match) for a reason.

Nicely warmed up, we move on to a light, refreshing dish of Salmon Tartare. The delicate dice of pink fish arrives tumbled with Cucumber and dressed with Yuzu. There are airy, Prawn Cracker adjacent Sesame Crackers on the side to scoop up the Salmon. Needless to say, my dinner companion and I fight over the last morsel.

The next course is a belter. Crispy Sticky Eggplant with Red Vinegar and Sesame. Generous, fat sticks of Eggplant, soft and gooey in the middle, crunchy and brittle on the outside. Their texture is amazing. And as for the flavour… Sweet and sour and mouth-wateringly salty. Until now, a not dissimilar entree at Miss Pearl has been at the top of our yummy Aubergine eats, but the Tokyo Tina version is even better. And we totally appreciate the kitchen serving us 2 wedges each.

Perhaps it’s inevitable that after a rip-roaring success, the following choice could disappoint. Such is the case with the Crispy Corn Fritters with Nori & Sansho Mayo. Now they are light, not greasy and packed with Corn, but they are just a bit blend. Especially after the knock-out Eggplant plate. Maybe it’s just us, but the Fritters feel more like a Brunch than Dinner offering.

With our openers dispatched, we’re onto the Mains.

Roll on the moist, fragrant Teriyaki Chicken accompanied by Charred Kale, Ginger Oil and Smoked Soy. Honestly, the bird is incredibly tender and big on taste. What’s more, the side order of Kimchi Rice is has just enough pep to make it interesting, but not so much that it’s a challenge. And it’s a decent-sized portion. In fact, we struggle to get through all the protein. But we give it a fair go.

For Dessert there’s a very likeable Mini Cherry Blossom & Dark Chocolate Magnum.

We finish out our meal stuffed and content.

The Drinks

As it’s a Thursday night, we throw caution to the wind and order a couple of Cocktails.

The Mizuchi Margarita ($25) gets the juices flowing nicely. Tromba Tequila combines with Lemongrass, Lime, Ginger and a Togarashi Rim. It has all the right Asian fusion notes to go with the modern Japanese fare. Similarly reviving is the Toki Highball ($23). Here, Suntory Whisky meets Orange, Lemon, Orgeat Syrup and Soda in fruity, warming long drink.

Aside from the Cocktails, Tokyo Tina also has a tight Wine List, a number of Beers on Tap and a carefully curated range of Sake.

Overall

With its small plate, sharing philosophy and relaxed vibe Tokyo Tina offers a very different take on Japanese dining to Melbourne’s more traditional Japanese restaurants. Funky and chilled, the amiable service matches the easy-to-like dishes that make up the menu.

Pop in for a Cocktail or cold Beer and stay for the Crispy Eggplant.