Kenji, Camberwell by Bureaucrat

My two favourite places for Japanese food are Gypsy & Pig (for its absolutely delicious and masterful ways of preparing pork-based bentos) and the Rice Workshop inside Emporium (for its decent, good value everyday-sort-of-meal).  However, as I no longer work in the city, it seems an awfully long way to go for a meal.

Feeling the urge for some good sushi and a bento box, we headed to the closest Japanese restaurant that wasn't a sushi franchise or exorbitantly expensive joint.  Destination: Kenji.  The last time I had Kenji was several years ago, and I was impressed with the quality and the quantity of food that I got for my dollars.


I got the special bento box.  A generous box filled with perfectly golden crumbed prawn, potato croquette and squidy sort of thing on a stick.  Also in the box were fried chicken piece, gyoza, edame beans, salad and rice.  A serve of miso soup came with it.


The Lawyer was craving ramen, and chose a chicken teriyaki version.  While this was good, I think he had better elsewhere.


We also took the opportunity to have some sushi.  These had a nice fish-to-rice ratio.

Verdict

We really liked it.

Overall

Kenji is a definite cut above the sushi chains.  It offers good, mid-range Japanese at a very reasonable price.  Consistency in quality and price is key here.  It does a roaring trade for dine-in and takeaway customers - a real favourite among locals.

Find it at

Kenji
Shop 10, 1405 Toorak Road
Camberwell 3124
Telephone: 9889 1084