Maedaya

For a decade, Toshi Maeda was better known as the drummer in Melbourne/Japanese punk band Mach Pelican. Since 2008, however, his stylish sake bar and grill has been centre stage of fine, friendly and affordable Japanese dining. Maedaya is an izakaya, so food and drink share equal billing, hence the extensive list of sake, Japanese beers, cocktails and whiskies, with complementary food suggestions for either snacks or more substantial eating. The grill is king here- the yakitori are a must- but there's also cold sashimi dishes, adventurous sushi combinations, noodles, veg and tofu dishes. Try the generous strips of tuna sashimi piled above grated daikon, or a row of pork gyoza with crisp tops. It all rocks.