Amongst Melbourne's Japanese restaurants, Koko certainly stands out from the crowd. This award-winning Japanese restaurant is traditional but stylish, with a serene Japanese setting, complete with a spectacular goldfish pond in the middle of the main dining room and a choice of separate rooms for authentic teppenyaki or tatami. Guests enjoy the superbly prepared traditional Japanese food with superb views over the city and the Yarra River.

Chef Allan Koh's modern menu is seasonal, and offers a wide choice of dishes, including many fresh seafood specialities, like tempura baby lobster. If you don't feel like ordering from the extensive a la carte menu, there's an excellent set menu, which is always a delight. Signature dishes include the famous teppenyaki, superb sushi and sashimi. Koko also boasts an extensive wine list and a sake bar that offers Melbourne's best selection of aged, exclusive sake from Australia and Japan.

A special touch at Koko are the tasting platters, which encourage diners to sample seasonal Japanese specialities. And there's also the famous Mayura Wagyu dish, considered the ultimate splurge and a definite treat. The restaurant is also a very popular location for functions and celebrations.