Ototo

Review summary

1. M

   Max

   Melbourne

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   I booked this place for Valentine’s Day. Walking in, the atmosphere was great and the neon red lights and decoration set a lovely and intimate vibe. However, we were seated at the back of the restaurant, close enough to the bar that we could see behind it (ruining the lovely dim lighting we walked in to), and situated amongst the foot traffic of wait staff coming to and from the kitchen. We were essentially seated on fold-out deck chairs as opposed to the black upholstered chairs assigned to every other table. Politely asking if it would be possible to move to a nicer table, we were informed that the restaurant was full booked, yet there were 3 free tables for 2 around us for about an hour - I questioned why they couldn’t have seated us on a nicer table simply given that our booking was earlier than the other reservations. The food came out relatively quick but was incredibly disappointing. The fried prawns were very plain and topped with small garnishes which did nothing for the flavour. The Dandan noodles were a joke considering the price; traditionally made with a Sichuan flavour and spicy sauce, it was nothing of the sort. They were essentially udon noodles with the most flavourless mince meat packed on top and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Even after a recommendation from the waiter that they are ideally eaten mixed, it tasted like a Bolognese sauce gone horribly wrong, and utterly unenjoyable to eat. We were also given take-away chopsticks to eat with - a detail that does not necessarily ruin the dining experience however I would expect a higher standard of utensils overall in an up-market establishment such as this. I would not recommend this restaurant at all. My personal experience was extremely regrettable and the service was not even redeemable by their bland, overpriced food.
   

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2. S

   Steven

   Melbourne

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Felt very rushed even though there services was slow
   

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3. V

   Vu

   Melbourne

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 9, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I had a great time here with my girl at Ototo. Recommended
   

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4. J

   Julia

   Gold Coast

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Staff ignore you as you approach front desk. Left for 20 minutes before being asked if we wanted a drink It was not busy as it was right at the last sitting of the night. Ordered 2 of the $88 option, received one of each menu item instead of one per person.
   

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5. A

   Albert

   Melbourne

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 6, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Great place with relaxed atmosphere. Variety of food options. Definitely coming back again very soon.
   

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6. D

   Dylan

   Victoria

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 25, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Overall good experience was pretty good, some dishes were hit and miss. Service time took a while as well.
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Melbourne

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 18, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food and excellent service. Will definitely be recommending to friends and returning. Sepi
   

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8. T

   Theodore

   Melbourne

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Ototo stuns again. We had our small wedding reception here last year and returned for our anniversary. We tried the tasting menu. Some classics were as good as ever whilst we tried some new items that delighted (like our first ever oysters and the duck katsu). It’s excellent value, as the mains were generous serves we couldn’t finish. The tiramisu dessert seemed like it would be very rich but was well balanced and refreshing after the savouries! The waiters were attentive and patient, we never felt rushed. We hope to return every year 🩷
   

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9. J

   Joshua

   Melbourne

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The king prawns were the best. A great atmosphere as well.
   

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10. S

    Steven

    Melbourne

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4

    Everything was great until i found a fly in my drink :(
    

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