Experience Japanese-inspired brunch, casual lunches and bowls of tenderly-cooked ramen on Geelong's stunning waterfront.
Over the last couple of years, Tomodachi Izakaya has been teaching Geelong about the Izakaya style of dining with a warm environment with their cosy little space on Little Malop St. Known as a style that revolves around eating, drinking and sharing in a casual environment with good people, this little hot spot is a favourite when it comes to immersing yourself in Japanese cuisine.
Now, the beloved business has expanded its offerings further into the Geelong community with a brand-new reimagined venue on Geelong’s iconic waterfront.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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Titled ‘Tomodachi 2.0’, the small local business has taken over the bustling space at Shop 3, 6-8 Eastern Beach Road in Geelong, in one half of where Town and Country used to be.
The result is a bright and beautiful intimate modern space, gifting locals and tourists alike an exciting new dining destination. Inside, the venue features a combination of bar seating, restaurant seating and window seating for those who prefer to people watch while nursing their ramen. The fit out is minimal but beautiful with blond timber, black accents and slim pendant lighting, with polished floors, a stacked bar and hidden kitchen, perfect for those who want to settle in and stay awhile.
If you prefer to sit outside and bask in the beauty of the waterfront, the venue offers family-size picnic bench seating, ideal for ordering lots of food and whiling away the afternoon.
As for the menu, diners can expect a similar menu to the Little Malop Street venue, where owner Michael Bong has created a place that focuses on the charcoal grill and the skewered mates that come off it. Here you’ll find succulent meats like pork belly, beef, chicken; to fresh seafood and sashimi; plus, plenty of vegetarian options too. Aside from the grill, you’ll also find all the classic Japanese options available, like mouth-watering takoyaki, tempura, karaage, unagi, and okonomiyaki, as well as octopus pancake balls and salt and pepper squid.
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A number of more unique dishes are on offer to try as well, such as renkon chips (made from sliced lotus root), kani korokke, and chicken curry udon, alongside a tonne of dessert options.
Alongside all the Tomodachi favourite, you can also expect to find some exciting new additions like fresh king Yuzu oysters, salmon carpaccio, bento, and more.
A tribute to the corner bars of Tokyo and centres around sharing, owner Michael Bong has created a place that focuses on the charcoal grill and the skewered mates that come off it. Here you’ll find succulent meats like pork belly, beef, chicken; to fresh seafood and sashimi; plus, plenty of vegetarian options too.
Having promised to bring something entirely unique to their loyal followers, Tomodachi 2.0 certainly does just that, now serving brunch alongside its regular Izakaya Bar offering. Available from 9:30am to 2pm (perfect for those that like a sleep in), the brunch menu include Katsu Egg Sandwich, Mashed Avocado Mushroom Toast, a Kani Korokke Salad (creamy crab mashed potato korokke, poached egg, coleslaw, tomato and onion), and our pick, the chilli prawn scrambled egg toast. Of course, they also offer coffee, tea and cold press fresh juice to wash it all down.
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You’ll also find a perfectly curated cocktail menu, and a slew of sake, beer, and wine that befits all the best, boozy backstreet izakaya joints in Japan.
Tomodachi 2.0 is located at Shop 3, 6-8 Eastern Beach Road in Geelong. It’s original venue remains at 85A Little Malop Street. Keep up with the latest here.
