When it comes to Japanese omakase-style dining, Melbourne's truly got it made. From the jaw-dropping seafood shows at Minamishima, Komeyui, Kisumé and Warabi, to the glitz and glam of swanky restaurants like Nobu, Yugen and Yakikami, lovers of sushi and sashimi are in no danger of being denied a world-class experience.
So it makes sense that when Brazilian-born (and ex-Nobu Ibiza) sushi chef Peterson Maio Machada Correia and his partner Vanessa Foderà started Ōshan as a passion project in the wake of Melbourne's infamous lockdowns, a big challenge was on the cards. Quite simply, half of the task lay in setting their offering apart from the rest.
"We want to take our guests on an intimate culinary food journey in a relaxed but beautiful setting," shared Foderà. "We want our guests to feel like they are in our dining room."
There are no set sitting times or restrictions at Ōshan, par the course at many of the restaurants above. But while the luxe space and 'slow dining' philosophy are certainly attractions, it's chef Peteron's creativity that's the star of the show.
And don’t expect standard Japanese fare around here, either. Peteron’s Sao Paulo background coupled with real on-the-ground training from some of the best Japanese sushi masters in the world has resulted in an eccentric fusion of flavours, too unique to ignore yet refined enough to be taken seriously.
Think elegant yet simple seafood preparations dressed up with fruity Brazilian-inspired marinades and sauces, paired with elite sakes and tropical-tinged cocktails. Plump Hokkaido scallops are served with a perfectly balanced orange sauce, while other highlights on the omakase menu include kingfish ceviche in crisp sweet potato rice cups and the signature sushi jyos of cucumber, tuna and polanco caviar, and salmon with ikura. The flavours are astonishing, and what began as a humble business for the couple, zeroing in on sushi boxes and platters for family and friends, has since evolved into one of Melbourne's most enchanting and interesting omakase experiences.
For those in the know, this fusion isn’t as bizarre as it might seem. Japanese and South American cuisine have a long, intertwined history, and Sao Paulo is home to the biggest community of Japanese folks outside of Japan itself.
To enjoy Ōshan at its best, try booking for the eight-course signature omakase lunch menu. It’s very reasonable at $195 a head, with optional sake pairings from renowned sake specialist Melissa Mills’ boutique and premium selection.
For more information, head to the website.
