Kentaro, located in Melbourne, operates a high-end sushi counter in the evening where the omakase experience comes at a premium. However, the lunchtime menu offers a nigiri plate for $29, which the critic recommends as the better deal. The restaurant's dual pricing strategy caters to different budgets, with the lunch option providing a taste of the chef's work at a fraction of the cost. The review highlights the value proposition for diners who want quality Japanese cuisine without the evening price tag.
Melbourne critic says Kentaro's $29 lunch is a bargain compared to expensive omakase dinner
The Age's Besha Rodell recommends the lunchtime nigiri plate at the Japanese restaurant, calling it 90 percent cheaper than the evening offering
By LineZotpaper
Published
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The Age restaurant critic Besha Rodell has praised the $29 lunch nigiri plate at Melbourne's Kentaro Japanese restaurant, describing it as a far more accessible alternative to the venue's big-spender omakase counter at night, which she says is 90 percent more expensive.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- For Melbourne diners, the review highlights a significant price gap between lunch and dinner at a high-end sushi spot, offering an accessible entry point.
- It reflects a broader trend of restaurants offering more affordable lunch options to attract customers, especially in a cost-of-living squeeze.
- The recommendation may drive lunch bookings and influence other restaurants' pricing strategies.
Background
Kentaro is a Japanese restaurant in Melbourne that serves both a standard lunch menu and a premium omakase experience at dinner. The lunch nigiri plate is priced at $29, while the evening omakase is substantially more expensive, though the exact dinner price is not specified in the review.
Key Perspectives
The critic (Besha Rodell): Recommends the lunch plate as the better value, noting it costs 90 percent less than the dinner. Restaurant management: They likely aim to maximise revenue by offering a high-end dinner while attracting a different clientele at lunch. Diners: Some may prefer the full omakase experience for special occasions, while others will opt for the affordable lunch option.
What to Watch
- Whether the lunch deal remains a regular offering or becomes a limited-time promotion.
- How other Melbourne sushi bars respond with their own lunch value propositions.
- Customer turnout at lunch versus dinner as a measure of demand for affordable high-end dining.
Sources
- By night, it’s a big-spender sushi counter, but I prefer the lunch deal that’s 90% cheaper — The Age - Latest News