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If you've ever wanted to try premium Japanese Wagyu but couldn't quite justify dropping hundreds of dollars on dinner, we’ve got good news. Melbourne CBD restaurant Niku Ou is getting a makeover, and its new approach to dining means you won't have to fork out a small fortune to get a taste of the good stuff.
Located on Bourke Street, the Wagyu Ya Group restaurant temporarily closed in October for a major redevelopment, with plans to reopen in November. And while its reputation for premium Japanese and Australian Wagyu isn't going anywhere, the way diners experience it is about to change.
Gone is the emphasis on elaborate set menus that can cost upwards of $300 per person. Instead, Niku Ou is introducing a more flexible, izakaya-style approach, allowing diners to pick and choose smaller portions of Wagyu without committing to a full-blown feast.
The biggest drawcard? You'll be able to order selected Wagyu cuts in portions of just two, four or eight slices. That means you can sample your way through different cuts, marbling levels and flavour profiles, comparing beef from Japanese prefectures and Australian regions as you go. Sort of a choose-your-own-adventure for meat lovers, whether you're after a quick bite or a more indulgent experience.
But that's not the only change on the menu. The revamped restaurant will also introduce a dedicated Wagyu sushi counter, where diners can order individual pieces of nigiri alongside raw, marinated and flame-seared (aburi) Wagyu preparations. It's another way to experience the prized beef beyond the traditional tabletop grill.
There'll also be a dedicated sake bar, with Japanese sake to complement the Wagyu and sushi offerings. And in a move that'll make ordering another round of beef that little bit easier, the restaurant is swapping its paper menus for a tablet ordering system, allowing diners to browse, compare and add dishes throughout their meal.
As for the space itself, Niku Ou's exposed stone finishes, spacious booths and private dining room for up to 14 guests have been part of its appeal,
The idea behind the relaunch is simple: make premium Wagyu more approachable without compromising on quality. So whether you're a Wagyu enthusiast keen to compare cuts or a curious first-timer wanting to see what all the fuss is about, there'll be more ways to get involved without blowing the week's grocery budget.
Niku Ou is expected to reopen in November 2026 at 108 Bourke Street. You can find out more over here.
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