Sake brewers open Eazy Peazy in Richmond

The couple behind sake brewers Toji Sake opened Japanese restaurant and bar Eazy Peazy in Richmond on July 12.

Yuta and Sharlyn Kobayashi, one-time owners of Armadale's Coin Laundry cafe, have dubbed the venue the "cheeky younger sibling" of Toji Sake. "We want it to be playful, for there to be an element of fun," says Yuta.

Occupying a former Swan Street newsagency, the 100-seat restaurant specialises in hibachi grilling.

Chef Dan Chan, formerly of Hong Kong yakitori restaurant Yardbird (also ex Cutler & Co, Supernormal and Cumulus Inc.) has built a menu around the hibachi – beautiful cuts of wagyu steak, whole chickens broken down into various parts for yakitori, and vegetables such as okra or mushrooms.

There are also share-friendly dishes such as the savoury Japanese pancake okonomiyaki, along with raw plates such as kingfish with ponzu dressing and smoked daikon.

To drink, there's sake by Toji Sake, wine from producers around Australia, Japanese and Australian craft beers, and cocktails with a fun Japanese spin.

Carr Design (responsible for Jackalope Mornington Peninsula and the renovation of Ezard, among others) is behind the interior which features a huge concrete bar, banquette seating and a large window looking directly into the kitchen's hibachi station.

Open Mon-Wed 5pm-late and Thu-Sun noon-late.

108 Swan Street, Richmond, eazypeazymelb.com