Step into an opulent world of modern Japanese dining at Toki, set in the heart of Torquay
Head through the open-air walkthrough and up the stairs at the newly developed site at 4-6 Gilbert Street and you’ll find Torquay’s Toki, a new eatery serving contemporary, subtly inventive Japanese dishes.
Coming from the team who brought us Shinya Ramen, an authentic and traditional ramen restaurant, Toki is all about the heritage of seasonal Japanese flavours with a modern flair.
A destination for those with a bit of a penchant for the finer things in life, Toki – which refers to ‘Time Of Opportunity’ – has a beautiful interior with the food to match, officially opening on Thursday, February 3 2022.
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Delivering a modern approach to the rich traditions of Japanese cooking, Toki cooks with the seasons, and savour the peak flavour of ingredients. The menu is extensive, featuring Japanese head chef Motoki Saito’s seasonal courses and a la cart creations.
With over 25 years experience, Saito has previously worked as the head chef at Izakaya Hachibeh, Melbourne for 10 years and at Koko in Crown Casino for two years. He has a strong passion for combining traditional Japanese cuisine with fresh seasonal produce to bring out the authenticity of flavours.
Saito’s experience in contemporary Japanese cuisine is evident, serving an elegant mix of classic Japanese dishes, ranging from King Fish Sashimi and Soba Salad to Japanese Wagyu steak, Dashi Tofu Humberg and signature sushi rolls.
Other highlights from the a la cart menu include Edamame, signature tartar salmon, Teriyaki chicken, Mentaiko Udon and Dashimaki Tamago, a Japanese rolled omelette. There’s also the camembert fry (deep-fried Japanese panko-crumbed camembert cheese), cold gyoza, Karaage chicken, and assorted tempura.
For dessert, there’s Crème Brulee and homemade green tea ice cream. Oishii!
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Devoutly seasonal, Toki also offers chef’s selection ‘feed me’ type experience for their $150 or $180 per head. The first will deliver six courses, while the second will see guests indulging in eight courses, made lovingly with incredible attention to detail.
To complement your dining experience, Toki has an extensive list of artisanal sake and shochu, signature cocktails, local wine and full bar with Japanese beer on tap, bottled beer, and a selection of local and international spirits. The Japanese whisky is the hero though, with the likes of Toki, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Mars Iwai on offer. You’ll also find Japanese vodka and gin. There’s also a range of non-alcoholic options with your usual suspects as well as iced green tea, and Sencha, premium Japanese green tea.
Going back to the cocktails, the list is exotic and efficacious in bringing a small part of Japan’s beauty and charm to the heart of Torquay. Think whisky sour, Yuzu & Gin No Toki, Tokyo Slipper, Hakushu highball, and our personal favourite, the Yuzu Majito, made with yuzu shu, ginjo sake, mint and soda. There’s also a selection of equally vibrant mocktails.
The space matches the style of the food, abiding by Japanese minimalist style and creating a feeling of warmth. The interior is sleek and open, with wood tables, concrete floors, timber panelling reminiscent of traditional tea houses, leather chairs, bronze flourishes and dark grey walls. The chic bar seating gives diners a view of the brightly lit selection of Japanese spirits and sake.
Toki is a feast for the eye as well as the palate, from the moment you walk up the stair and sink into your chair until the moment you leave, sated and happy.
Toki opens Thursday, February 3 2022. Bookings can be made here.
It will operate Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11am-3pm then 5pm-9pm, while Saturday and Sunday will operate from 11am-9:30pm.
Located at Shop 14, Level 1 4-6 Gilbert Street, Torquay.
