About
Discover a hidden culinary gem at Otōto, located at 349-351 Flinders Ln in the heart of Melbourne. This intimate underground venue, tucked beneath Akaiito, offers a moody atmosphere that sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
The moment you step inside, you are enveloped by a unique vibe that balances elegance with a cozy charm. Here, the service is marked by warmth and professionalism. The attentive staff ensure that your visit is nothing short of exceptional, crafting a welcoming environment that feels like a true getaway in the bustling city.
Now, let's delve into the extraordinary offerings on their menu. Otōto excels in blending traditional Japanese techniques with modern flavor profiles. Highlights include the Pulled Pork Slider with a creamy Foie Gras Mayo and zingy coleslaw, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Seafood lovers will relish the Hervey Bay Scallops adorned with savory Mussel Beurre Blanc and the aromatic Seaweed Butter. Don't miss the chance to savor their Sambal King Prawns, which boast a rich sambal butter that brings a delightful heat, pairing seamlessly with the gentle sweetness of the prawns.
For those seeking vegetarian options, the Vegetarian Gyoza served with spicy ponzu provides a delightful kick. The Masala Lamb Ribs are another standout, infused with aromatic herbs and served alongside crispy mantou – a dish that demonstrates Otōto’s dedication to quality and creativity.
Accompany your meal with their Unlimited Filter Purezza Sparkling Water, offering a refreshing pairing to cleanse your palate. Each dish at Otōto is beautifully presented, showcasing an artful dedication to aesthetics that matches its flavor. Your tastebuds will be dancing long after you finish – a sentiment echoed by many patrons who rave about their experience, describing the food as “outstanding.”
While the prices may reflect the quality, it's essential to consider Otōto's unique dining experience as more than just a meal; it is an occasion filled with atmosphere, taste, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a romantic date night, Otōto is a worthwhile destination that will leave you longing to return. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot at this buried treasure in Melbourne!
“ We had an incredible experience at Ototo, a true hidden gem in Melbourne! Service was excellent, warm, professional - genuine hospitality at its best. The atmosphere was something special, tucked beneath Akaiito, this underground spot feels moody, intimate, and effortlessly cool. The food was absolutely outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented, packed with flavour, using quality ingredients. The mix of traditional Japanese techniques with modern twists made for a truly memorable meal. Ototo nails it, excellent service, a killer vibe, and food that you’ll be thinking about long after you leave. ”
“ The atmosphere is so romantic and low vibe like underground. the place has good food options but they are quite pricey for the size. Definitely food portions are for drinking on the side to make the experience nice. Service was decent, took 35 minutes for 6 oysters, raw wagyu slice and the fried duck ponzu was very confusing. but the squid came out quite quick which was nice. Servers were very kind but they’re all a bit quiet but no problem in that. Recommend for romantic dates ”
“ I was very pleased with the food and drinks were unique and amazing. A little hidden out of the way but definitely worthwhile. This is the perfect location for a celebration or date night. The dishes and their presentation were amazing and you can tell there’s a lot of passion behind it. Bookings recommended. ”
“ We went for $2 oysters on a Tuesday! As the only people in the restaurant we had a completely different experience compared to the lower star reviews. The only complaint about the atmosphere was that the one working bathroom was a bit dirty. Otherwise the setting was beautiful. Food was delicious and reasonably portioned. The tiger prawns were a highlight. We were disappointed by the duck, it was mushy and dry at the same time , however everything else was delicious! ”
“ I had high hopes for this restaurant, but unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. To my surprise, this Japanese restaurant doesn’t offer miso soup - a staple in most places of its kind. The menu was very limited, leaving a few options to choose from, and the portions were quite small. You might walk away still hungry, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re starving. It’s more suited for a light snack than a proper meal. The atmosphere also left much to be desired. The toilets were shockingly dirty - some public restrooms are cleaner. To make matters worse, one of the toilets didn’t even have running tap water, which was incredibly off-putting. That said, the service was decent. The staff checked on us regularly and served us quickly. The server who assisted us was helpful with drink recommendations, which was one of the few positives. Overall, I wouldn’t rush back here. The cleanliness and limited food options overshadowed the few good points. ”
“ My real issue with this place is the fact that if you get the tasting menu, then the first four small courses come to the table at once. Then you’ve barely finished these and without a word, the next and final four are presented to you. Within half an hour you have received your entire quota of food. These are warm dishes which then go cold if (as a normal human being) you would like to eat slowly and enjoy the ambiance and evening. Then you keep getting asked if you’re ready for your dessert even though you’ve stated you would like to wait a certain amount of time. It all feels as though they are rushing you to get you out of there. The food IS delicious but why would you go here when you have so many options where the staff treat you with respect and as an individual rather than as a amount of money to get in and get out? ”