Review at Cocoro Japanese Pottery and Cafe

Mr. K found this quaint little place when he was out on a comic hunt at the anime shop which is above this restaurant. He was indeed raving on this place was value for money. Curious to find out, he brought Miss LN and me for dinner a few days ago.

On stepping this place, I felt at peace. The atmosphere was very very tranquil. Think of beautiful pottery lined in shelves and beautiful decor provided the feel of a retreat. The pottery lined on these shelves are actually for sale, so if something catches your fancy, then it can be yours.

Cocoro Salmon Sashimi

The salmon sashimi is slightly different from what I’m used to (with a great effect). The Atlantic salmon slices have been slightly torched to amplify the melt in your mouth quality which I oh so loved in raw fish. Its dual texture ( firmness on the outside and softness in the inside ) complimented with the dash of mayonise on the side. Needless to say, this is one heck of a sashimi I simply wouldn’t forget for a long time.

Shishamo

This curious dish had an accquired taste – the slight bitterness can overwhelm your tastebuds. Thank goodness there is lemon juice and the rock salt to balance the bitter aftertaste. I find this dish delightfully crunchy. Could this be the perfect companion for beer drinking?

Grilled Onigiri

Mr. K enjoyed the tart centre of the grilled onigiri which turned out to be Japanese plum paste. The rice balls were bathed in a rich teriyaki sauce which contrasted with the sharp centre.

Grilled Ponzu Salmon

Miss LN had the grilled ponzu salmon, which was just as yummy as the entree counterpart. The citrusy ponzu sauce did a fantastic job of making the salmon main really yummy to eat.

Wafu Chicken

The crispy chicken is really yummy – it combined the cirtus characteristics of ponzu marinate and the savoury factor of radish sauce to give that extra oommph. It was also noted the chicken pieces were also very juicy which always brings a smile to my face. I can tell how much Mr. K really enjoyed his main.

Agadashi Tofu

The combination of soy, wasabi and mirin proved to be a very lethal combination – I was instantly “high” from devouring the gravy. The tofu was pan fried in such a way it was wonderful. There was a crispy exterior and the interior was just so soft! Cocoro is definitely one of the very few places that doesn’t screw up this surprisingly simple dish. I just loved how this dish was presented and tasted.

Green Tea Parfait

Unlike its doppelganger I have tried in Singapore, the green tea parfait had all its elements together. The slightly bittersweet green tea ice cream, the saccharine red bean paste, the creamy vanilla icecream and the punchy slices of peach contributed their own parts to form an interesting desert. It’s still a fairly rich dessert which took me a while to finish it up. In the end I had to give up and Mr. K took over.

Cocoru Japanese Pottery and Cafe is definitely one place I would love to come back for the atmosphere and the wonderful agadashi tofu. It was sad their specialty, Melt in the Mouth Beef & Tofu Stew was sold out on that day. I would probably try it when I’m there again.

Cocoro Japanese Pottery and Cafe

117 Smith Street
Fitzroy
Melbourne 3065
03 9419 5216
Website