Pristine restaurant in the side of an office building. Sushi was great, though it was the tempura that knocked this place into five star territory. Each crunchy bite was immensely satisfying. Went for lunch and it was easy to get a table.

Let's talk about how much I love this place. I adore Japanese food, and have been lucky to eat at many excellent Japanese restaurants around the world (though, sadly not in Japan itself).

I've been here twice now, and completely agree with another reviewer that it's all about the food. Each morsel is absolutely delicious, having been carefully selected, prepared and cooked by the chef.

The menu changes with the seasons - our most recent outing in December included sweet, succulent summer corn, carefully cut from the cob, battered lightly and fried. Simply speaking, it is a demonstration of the magic that can happen when simple ingredients are treated with the utmost care.

The service is also excellent - naturally, formal and deferent in the way that only the Japanese can do, but the staff are also not above the occasional informal Japanese lesson.

To be honest, I'm slightly embarrassed by all of my blather about this little restaurant tucked away in a South Melbourne office building. But I think it's telling that each time we go, all we can talk about for days after is how incredible the meal was.

All in all, this is my go-to when I want to treat myself to a true experience.

Alberto, I ate there recently so the owner has not gone back to Japan. Amazing news for those who have yet to try it.

Tempura Hajime is the right place for the true gourmands who wish to focus on the food rather than the pomp and glam of eating at "fancy" restaurants. It provides an intimate setting with minimal decor that allows you to be yourself amongst friends (and 10 or so other strangers).

You can order from two sets. I recommend the all-encompassing one with the sushi, sashimi and tempura. Take your time to eat each morsel so you get a taste of everything.

What strikes you is the hospitality and politeness so characteristic of the Japanese. The food is prepared with exacting delicateness. The way it is prepared speaks of professionalism as the chef cooks the wagyu or puts the little pieces of paper on your plate onto which the tempura goes.

To celebrate our third year anniversary, I decided to surprise my wife and eat somewhere unusual, yet exemplary. Enter Tempura Hajime. This little restaurant (it seats 12) is tucked away amongst the concrete and corporate of Park St, South Melbourne. Finding it is difficult because there are no signs, just a brown wooden door with a little window. Looking in, you can see a small wooden plaque and a logo.
You enter into a small waiting room as the staff ease you into the dining room. The food is exemplary. The chef cooks in front of you, deep frying pieces of prawn, eggplant, fish and sweet potato behind a shield. Eating amongst strangers is unusual at first but the chef is accommodating and keeps an eye on how you're going. At one stage, my wife thought she could eat no more and he quickly mentions that there are only two dishes left, "Could she make it?". It's such great service and amazingly fresh seafood. There's even sufficient mouth-cleansers (melon wine with soda water served in a shot glass with a bolt of ice) to help you going.
Best get in while you can, because word is that the owner is looking to get back to Japan.

Approximate cost: $76