Business Details
33 Years
experience
Authentic Japanese Cuisine in Hawthorn | OCHA Restaurant
OCHA began in a small butchers shop in Kew, driven by Yasu and Michelle's vision to introduce authentic Japanese cuisine to Melbourne. For 30 years, we have maintained traditional techniques while embracing local, seasonal produce. Our restaurant focuses on understated elegance, allowing our food and dedicated team to take centre stage. We specialise in Japanese dishes crafted with precision, from sushi and tempura to modern fusion creations.Our commitment to quality extends to private dining experiences, offering tailored menus and a flexible space for events. With a reputation built on consistency and passion, we continue to welcome guests into the OCHA family, sharing our love for Japanese culinary traditions in a contemporary setting.
Services
Sushi
Tempura
Private Dining
Cocktail Bar
Set Menus
Takeaway
Wine List
Sake Selection
Lunch Specials
Dessert Wine
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30 years of expertise in authentic Japanese cuisine
- Commitment to traditional techniques with seasonal local produce
- Award-winning private dining space for up to 60 guests
- Extensive menu featuring sushi, tempura, and modern fusion dishes
- Dedicated team with deep knowledge of Japanese culinary traditions
What people say
Exceptional sushi quality
Creative cocktail menu
Elegant private dining space
Attentive staff
Perfect special occasion venue
Services
Japanese Cuisine
OCHA offers traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients. Our menu features sushi, sashimi, tempura, and modern fusion creations. Each dish showcases our commitment to quality and authenticity while incorporating local produce.
Private Dining
Our flexible private dining spaces accommodate events from intimate gatherings to milestone celebrations. The main dining room seats up to 60 guests, with options for smaller groups. We offer tailored menus and dedicated service for weddings, business functions, and family occasions.
Cocktail Bar
OCHA's bar features an extensive selection of Japanese whisky, sake, and original cocktails. Our signature drinks blend traditional elements with modern twists, including the Miso Whisky Sour and OCHA's Ginger Ninja. We also offer an international wine list and premium spirits.
Set Menus
Our set menus start at $75 per person, featuring curated selections of our best dishes. Menus can be customised to accommodate dietary requirements and special requests. Private dining guests may also bring their own cake with a $4.5 per person cakeage fee.
Lunch Specials
OCHA serves lunch Tuesday to Friday from 12-3pm and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Our lunch menu includes smaller plates, sushi rolls, and signature dishes at accessible prices. The restaurant is fully licensed for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Thursday, with corkage fees applying.
People
Yasu
Co-Founder & Head Chef
Yasu co-founded OCHA 30 years ago with a vision to introduce authentic Japanese cuisine to Melbourne. He oversees all kitchen operations and maintains our commitment to traditional techniques while embracing seasonal local produce.
Michelle
Co-Founder & Director
Michelle co-founded OCHA with Yasu, bringing her expertise in hospitality management. She focuses on guest experience and business operations, ensuring our restaurant maintains its reputation for exceptional service and authentic Japanese cuisine.
Questions
What type of cuisine does OCHA serve?
OCHA specialises in traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine, featuring sushi, sashimi, tempura, and modern fusion dishes using seasonal local ingredients.
Do you offer private dining options?
Yes, we have flexible private dining spaces accommodating 10-60 guests. Our team can create custom menus for weddings, business functions, and special celebrations.
What are your operating hours?
We serve lunch Tuesday-Friday 12-3pm and dinner Tuesday-Saturday 6-10pm. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays except for private bookings.
Can I bring my own wine?
BYO wine is permitted Tuesday-Thursday lunch/dinner and Friday lunch with a $15 per person corkage fee. No BYO on weekends or private event days.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, we offer vegetarian adaptations of many dishes including vegetable tempura, tofu sashimi, and vegetarian sushi rolls. Please inform staff of dietary requirements.
Do you have a cocktail menu?
Our cocktail list features Japanese whisky, sake-based drinks, and original creations like the Miso Whisky Sour and OCHA's Ginger Ninja. We also serve premium spirits and international wines.
Reviews (7)
Shalini Sinnan
Jan 09, 2022
Report
The food and service are absolutely divine! Been twice now, both times got the waiters to select the menu for us and they did a stellar job. One of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne.
Marco Fedi
Jan 07, 2022
Report
Unfortunately, not the Ocha it used to be. Not the high class Japanese restaurant it used to be. Mediocre service, Oysters ordered as an entree but served as a main. Slow service despite being half empty and more upsetting charged an additional 35 dollars (luckily we realized before paying). Apologies accepted but still not you would expect from this type of restaurants. The food is still delicious though.
Marta Tesoro
Dec 08, 2021
Report
First dinner out with my family since lockdown ended. One of the dishes we ordered was the Chef sushi/sashimi recommendation and it was delicious. The cuisine here is what I would describe as modern/ fusion Japanese. Pricey but worth every penny and I would certainly come again.
Tiffii C.
Dec 06, 2021
Report
OCHA has GOTCHA sorted when it comes to sushi. Staff were friendly and kindly accommodated our order and allowed us to build our own platter.
ocha roll
soft shell crab roll
dynamite roll
unagi & shiso roll
veg chumaki
sushi (nigari and rolls)
Lovely variety for sushi rolls and very fresh.
ocha roll
soft shell crab roll
dynamite roll
unagi & shiso roll
veg chumaki
sushi (nigari and rolls)
Lovely variety for sushi rolls and very fresh.
Lil' Kym
Mar 19, 2021
Report
Fantastic flavoursome Japanese food, service was also great and attentive. Everything tasted fresh. Beef tataki was different to what I am used to, would prefer with ponzu dressing but was still nice. The black cod dish is the high light
Timinmelbourne
Nov 24, 2020
Report
I grabbed a range of dishes from here. The last time I was here was pre lock down. The food was tasty, I enjoyed the variety and the different flavours. The sushi was fresh, the miso eggplant great except the sauce was sweet. But overall it was solid and definitely worth a visit. Great service at this restuarant which also has a separate take away section.
Precious review early 2020
The food was delicious. I tried some Katsu Chicken, vegetable tempura, vegetable and water chestnut gyozas, sushimi, Unagi (eel) sushi, a pork Katsu slider, a grilled salmon slider. Phew hahaha but I shared these
Precious review early 2020
The food was delicious. I tried some Katsu Chicken, vegetable tempura, vegetable and water chestnut gyozas, sushimi, Unagi (eel) sushi, a pork Katsu slider, a grilled salmon slider. Phew hahaha but I shared these
John Koo
Oct 30, 2020
Report
Disappointing, slow service and pricey.
Tofu seeweed salad, dressing too sour
Salmon Taco, the seaweed thing was not crunchy
Teriyaki Duck, too salty
Sushi and sashimi, portion too little / small and sashimi too thinly sliced
Kingfish Jaw, over cooked and not enough salt.
Tofu seeweed salad, dressing too sour
Salmon Taco, the seaweed thing was not crunchy
Teriyaki Duck, too salty
Sushi and sashimi, portion too little / small and sashimi too thinly sliced
Kingfish Jaw, over cooked and not enough salt.
