Shinbashi Yakiniku (MELB NORTH WEST)

A truly disappointing dining experience. This is a Taiwanese BBQ restaurant that offers both à la carte and all-you-can-eat options — I chose the latter. I came here because the restaurant is a branch of a well-known Taiwanese chain, and I saw many positive reviews from fellow Taiwanese diners. I had high expectations, but unfortunately, the reality was far from what I hoped for. The food was just average — filling, but not impressive in flavor. The real issue was the poor service. The waitress serving our area had no expression the entire time, and showed no basic courtesy or hospitality. One of the dishes I ordered was missing, so I had to place the order again myself. The worst part was when she brought me a dish — potato stew (Nikujaga) — which I had already eaten earlier. I told her clearly that it wasn’t mine, but she insisted it was. She refused to double-check or listen. It wasn’t until another staff member told her it was a mistake that she stopped. But even then, she left without a word — no apology, no explanation, just cold indifference. In a service-based industry, food alone isn’t enough. If the overseas branches of Taiwanese brands can’t maintain their service standards, they only damage the brand’s reputation. I will not return and cannot recommend this place to anyone.

Came here on a Wednesday night to have their all you can eat BBQ. They have a decent selection of beef, some thinly sliced and some thicker options. Their wagyu beef was fresh and had decent marbling. Their menu also includes hot food options and sashimi. On the night we went, we didn’t find the sashimi too fresh. Tip 1 - order fast and/or order lots or you will be left hungry. Each serve of beef is about 4 pieces. Service is a little slow as it takes 10-15 minutes for your order to be served. The seating time is 90 minutes but their last order must be made at the 60 minute mark. Tip 2 - watch out for hidden service charges. We were there on a normal weekday, was not informed of any further fees other than card payment fees. But we ended up g getting a service charge on our bill.

My first ever Japanese BBQ experience was delicious! 🥰 For our anniversary, we went to Shinbashi Yakiniku in Carlton for their all-you-can-eat dinner for the very first slot ✨️ It fills up very quickly so be sure to book ahead. We ordered endless rounds of marbled beef, some seafood platters, some marinated chicken, mushrooms, and garlic! The beef is so delicious and they have a variety of sauces to combine and taste 🤩 It melts in your mouth and doesn't take too long to cook! The chicken takes a really long time to cook but in the end is also very tasty. I loved the veggies and wish I got more! Wrapping a cooked garlic in beef with amazing 🫶🏽 The seafood is also very tasty but kept sticking to the grill. For sides, we ordered kimchi, rice, and chicken karaage. They were all so delicious! No faults what so ever 🥹💓. The service is very attentive with staff always coming to clear empty plates and to order you more dishes. Few things to note - although the AYCE is for 90 minutes, you can only order for 60 minutes which is very odd. There is also a service fee per person which is unpleasant given the customer does the cooking - a waitress accidentally dropped a whole bowl of soup on my dress and we were still charged a fee! I don't agree with this at all. The food is tasty and the service is generally very good, although I don't agree with a service fee 🤔.