Tucked away on the Bourke Street side of the Midcity Arcade, Tokyo Motto is an establishment that exudes the charm of a humble Japanese café. With its small tables and unassuming ambiance, the venue invites patrons to immerse themselves in the flavours inspired from Japan, right in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling city centre.
Upon entering Tokyo Motto, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, where I had the freedom to choose my own table and explore the diverse offerings on the menu using my phone. Ordering was made convenient through the use of a QR code, allowing for a seamless, efficient and more contemporary dining experience.
| Highlights | Their Omurice is nicely presented with a decent serving of curry sauce, but the omelet is thin and doesn’t encase the rice |
| Cost | $12.5 for their basic omurice with curry sauce |
| Location | Shop 23&23A, MidCity, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
The menu at Tokyo Motto boasts a delightful array of Japanese classics, ranging from omurice and donburi to hearty ramen bowls and tantalising sides. Among the offerings, the omurice stands out as a crowd favourite, with options starting at $12.5 for a standard bowl featuring a delectable combination of omelet, rice, and curry sauce. (Although this option seems quite basic, I thought it was a budget friendly way to enjoy their signature dish for under $15.) For an additional $2, patrons can opt for tomato rice (instead of normal white rice), while an extra $4.8 unlocks the indulgence of additional miso soup and seaweed salad.
During my visit, I opted for the Chicken Karaage Omurice priced at $16.5—a flavourful ensemble featuring tender pieces of deep-fried chicken nestled beneath a blanket of fluffy omelet, all drizzled with a generous serving of rich curry sauce. The dish, accompanied by a selection of condiments such as togarashi and chilli oil, offered a symphony of flavours that tantalised the taste buds and left me craving for more.
The omurice is topped by a thin omelet and doesn’t encase all the rice, but at least the curry sauce was delicious and sufficient.
It was a great place to visit for a quick lunch and getaway.
Tokyo Motto offers a taste of Japan’s vibrant food culture in the heart of Melbourne. With its humble ambiance, diverse menu offerings, and decent service, the venue promises a non-frills, simple dining experience for patrons seeking to rekindle their love of a Japanese signature dish.
Your can read more about my recommended cheap eats restaurants in Melbourne here.
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