Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
Our region offers a wonderful variety of international cuisines, and this week, we decided to experience the flavours of Japan at our local Japanese restaurant, Okami.
Known for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional offerings, Okami has established itself as a favourite for Japanese food enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Japanese cuisine, or washoku, is renowned globally for its intricate flavours, refined presentation and connection to nature.
Rooted in centuries of tradition, it embodies a respect for seasonality, harmony, and aesthetics, turning every dish into a sensory masterpiece.
While traditional washoku remains a cornerstone, modern Japanese cuisine welcomes innovation.
Creations like sushi burritos, matcha-infused desserts, and Japanese-style curries, illustrate how the culinary arts evolve without losing their authenticity.
This harmonious blend of the old and the new makes Japanese cuisine universally appealing.
At Okami, we were greeted with warmth and gracious hospitality, setting the tone for a memorable dining experience.
The restaurant’s signature all-you-can-eat menu allows guests to explore a variety of small dishes, making it a paradise for food lovers.
From fresh sashimi and tender teriyaki to crispy tempura and savoury udon, every dish showcased the delicate balance of flavours that Japanese cuisine is known for.
The all-you-can-eat option not only offers value, but also provides an opportunity to sample a diverse range of dishes, catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to Japanese food.
The service was attentive and efficient, ensuring that each course arrived fresh and perfectly prepared.
Since opening its first location in 2013, Okami has redefined Japanese dining in Australia by introducing the “all-you-can-eat” concept.
Their mission is to make Japanese cuisine accessible and affordable to everyone, bringing the rich culinary traditions of Japan to communities across the country.
Beyond food, Okami is committed to creating an inclusive dining experience that transcends economic boundaries, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the flavours of Japan.
Through continuous innovation, they have elevated their offerings, resonating with both loyal customers and those discovering Japanese cuisine for the first time.
Okami invites you to embark on a culinary journey, celebrating the essence of Japanese cuisine, while sharing the joy of dining with all who walk through their doors.
We began our meal with the Sushi and Sashimi Nigiri platter, a beautiful assortment of fresh, high-quality seafood that set the tone for a delightful dining experience.
Alongside this, we enjoyed edamame — simple yet satisfying boiled soybeans lightly salted to perfection.
Next came a variety of flavourful small dishes: crispy Japanese-style potato croquettes served with tangy tonkatsu sauce, grilled eggplant, tender chicken karaage, and takoyaki — savoury octopus balls topped with a drizzle of wasabi mayonnaise.
We also tried the prawn and vegetable gyozas, which were perfectly pan-fried and full of flavour.
For the main course, we indulged in Prawn and Vegetable Tempura, featuring a light, airy batter that complemented the fresh ingredients.
The Stir-Fried Beef Udon brought hearty, satisfying flavours with perfectly cooked noodles and tender beef, while the Yakiniku Beef was a highlight — rich, savoury, and utterly delicious.
We finished with small tubs of Japanese flavoured ice-cream that topped off a wonderful night.
This was a lovely dining experience, offering the chance to savour a wide variety of dishes, each prepared with care and bursting with flavour.
Every bite was a treat, making it a memorable culinary journey.
Food pricing for Okami Japanese, rated by Jan and Paul: $$
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).