Japanese fusion. Cooked with quality. In the heart of Carlton.
Handmade gyoza, delicate nigiri, Chicken Nanban and seasonal dishes, shaped by traditional Japanese cuisine and Melbourne's fresh produce
Join us for a plentiful meal, share-worthy snacks or a memorable celebration.
Our Story
Kumo kitchen is a Japanese fusion restaurant in the heart of Carlton. As a business ran by head chef, Juno, our priority is always on food. Providing exceptional dishes and using the finest quality of produce.
The idea for Kumo wasn’t just to start a restaurant it was to start a place that mixes the pleasures of having great food with the warmth of having good friends and family with you. Life can be intense and we want a place where you can go to unwind with the ones you love. Enjoy, connect and relax at Kumo Kitchen.
This is what we are bringing to Carlton.
Japanese-inspired dining, made in house
From a quick snack to a special celebration, Kumo Kitchen brings thoughtful Japanese-inspired dining to Carlton. Discover hearty set meals, share-worthy plates and seasonal dishes whatever the occasion.
Hearty Set Meals
Choose our set meal option for a hearty, warm, and absolutely delicious time. The set meal sides changes day-to-day based on the chef’s preference, but is accompanied by our signature Miso soup, traditional Japanese vegetables, and our wonderfully spongey Macha pudding. Paired with a nice hot green tea.
A la carte
Fancy trying a greater selection of our food? Choose from our varied selection of masterfully crafted dishes.
From fried chicken, to beef bowls, and raw fish we have an array of flavours to suite and change your appetite.
Snacks and lighter delights
For when your not too hungry but want a treat for your senses take a look at our snacks, maki, and nigiri dishes.
Table snacks are a great accompliment to the meal ahead, Maki is filled to the brim whilst respecting the ancient art of sushi craft, and our range of Nigiri means that each bite is a new surprise.
Seasonal items
Here at Kumo we have a passion for food. That means changing our menu to best suit the tastes of the season.
In the past we have served Fried Oysters with a barbecue sauce, Tempura Udon, and Gyudon.
Come again to Kumo and see what is new to our menu!
Our menu, explained
Snacks and Maki:
Charred Edamame and Renkon Chips are my favourite light snacks, and a great way to prepare for the meal to come. Charred Edamame is charred soybean pods. Coated with salt the way to eat them is to pierce the back of the pod with your teeth then wedge the beans out of the pod. The salt and char on the outside gives the flavour whilst the bean popping out of the pod gives texture. Renkon chips are fried lotus roots, a denser version of standard western style potato chips.
The Kumo Fried Chicken is our take on Japanese karaage, a way to share hot and juicy fried chicken and talk about how delicious it is with the whole table. Served with thinly chopped cucumber and kewpie mayo, this is one of the many reasons to book a table at Kumo and leave the house behind.
Our Chilli Hotate is our baked scallops served in their shell, it’s the closest description I can give to silk, lighter than melted butter.
Our Gyoza (fried dumplings) are hand made in house, the filling of either pork or vegatables is rolled over in a soft dough then boiled and fried, ready to create an explosion of flavour in your mouth. The only problem you’ll have is trying to eat them all without your table realising.
Popcorn Ebi (Fried prawn) is a must for any fried seafood lover. Juicy; still kicking with the fresh prawn flavour, which is enhanced by a pairing of mustard and chives.
Agedashi Tofu is our deep fried tofu served in dashi sauce and paired with mountain vegetables. The Tofu is crisp but soft, an experience not often tasted in western restraunts but an experience that is utterly delicious.
Teishoku/set meals & A la carte:
Kumo Chirashi is a beautiful selection of the chef’s chosen seafood for the day elegantly curated on top of a rice bowl.
Sushi Moriawase, a set selection of sushi (singluar cuts of raw fish paired on top of white rice) arranged with the same selection of fish used in the kumo chirashi.
Namban chicken is juicy fried chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce topped with our house made tartar sauce, it will make anyone say “Oh my gosh”.
Tonkatsu can be thought of as the pork cousin of Namban chicken. Succulent fried pork cutlets covered in panko breadcrumbs. A crispy exterior and a hot and juicy interior.
Yasai is our vegan option, a great mix of traditional Japanese vegetables all put together and finished with our miso glaze.
Salmon Capaccio is a wonderful twist between the classic Italian dish and the Japanese love of shashimi (raw fish). Raw Salmon with a tomato and dill salsa.
Sashimi (raw fish) choose between 12 or 18 pieces of freshly caught and prepared fish from the Chef’s daily choice. An experience you won’t forget in a while.
Nigiri is our selection of hand pressed sushi featuring the same selection of fish as the sashimi, a great way to experience all the tastes of our fresh fish.
The Kingfish Crudo is just beautiful, a painting of a dish to draw the eye. Raw Kingfish is plated on a coconut dressing with dottings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and chilli oil.
Tuna zuke pronounced zoo-ke is a raw tuna dish where the tuna has been soaked with our shallot and ponzu sauce, then plated on a bowl of rice with wasabi salsa.
Additional Information
Have you got a special occasion, work event or just want to go for a large meal with friends and family? Either way let us know in advance and we can cater to your wishes. With seating for up to people there is a seat in the house for everybody, including any young children or babies. Special requirements can also be made upon request.
So contact us today at Kumo.carlton@gmail.com and we will make your special night that bit more magical.
We take allergies seriously at Kumo Kitchen. If you have any allergy requirements please let our staff know when dining at our restaurant.
If you would like to know in advance what products we can provide based on allergy requirments then send us an email at Kumo.carlton@gmail.com and will get back to you with all the information you require. This can also be helpful if you are planning a larger booking with multiple allergy requirments. This gives us time to prepare and make sure we are ready for your dining experience.
Occasionally we hold and support events in our local area. Make sure to follow our Instagram to keep updated with great events near you.