Bosozoku bringing the dark side of Tokyo to South Yarra

A once quaint Teppanyaki restaurant in the back streets of South Yarra has been transformed into a Japanese burger joint and sake den that’s well worth heading off Chapel Street for.

Bosozoku, named after a notorious outlaw biker gang in Japan, is crammed with bold and wacky features, including ‘secret sake warmer stations’, karaoke rooms, pool tables, motorcycle chandeliers, outdoor fire pits, Hitachi train seats and even a figurative onsen at the base of Mt Fuji – a dry ice spa where patrons can kick back and enjoy a cocktail.

In terms of drinks, Bosozoku is putting a Japanese twist on cocktail classics; think espresso martinis twisted with vanilla bean sake, a Wasabi Bloody Mary, and a cherry blossom infused gin – in addition to a wide array of Japanese beers, sakes and whiskeys.

Heading up the kitchen is Chef Tomoya Kawasaki who will be serving up Japanese-inspired burgers, including the ‘Die By The Sword’ swordfish burger and the ‘Big Lobster BLT’ made with fresh lobster tail, as well as a number of Japanese izakaya classics like gyoza, chicken karage, and a spin on poutine made with Japanese chicken curry.

The venue has been masterminded by a crew responsible for some of Melbourne’s favourite party hot spots, combining the Tokyo dreams of Craig Kellermann, Dan Hansen and the Mauer brothers, the brains behind venues including The Bird Watching Society and Lady Grange.

“Bosozoku has been a long time coming, but we are so excited to see all of our ideas combine into one venue that offers so much,” says Kellermann. “Awesome burgers, top class drinks and an atmosphere that keeps on giving. It is one of a kind.”