Overall, Yamabuki is average. Having lived in Japan, I have a good idea of what 'good' japanese food should taste like. The food here is average, I have definitely eaten better. The tempura was very floury, with large bursts of uncooked flour in most pieces. The sushi tasted more like the kind you can pick up in a shopping center and the sashimi just doesn't have that 'melt in your mouth' texure you want. In Williamstown, Yamabuki is pretty much your only choice for Japanese food. I would recommend, if you're craving it, to venture across the bridge to somewhere else.

The food here is very cheap and its spacious with good service but i have to say this is very bad Japanese food. I order octopus salad what a disappointment i could hardly see any octopus at all and the dressing was off putting. the tofu was very hard and crisps. we didint even eat are meals we paid and when home and ate instead!

I discovered Yamabuki several years ago when I was on my way to Williamstown Little Theatre and needed somewhere to have a quick meal beforehand. It was an immediate hit, and since then I don't think I've ever made a trip to Williamstown without calling in for a meal. In fact, sometimes I've gone to Williamstown for the sole purpose of eating at Yamabuki.

Very good bento box. Excellent sashimi, tempura, and wafu steak.

My very favourite dish is the gyoza: exactly the right amount of charring on the bottom. Delicious. I agree with reviewer @rosmalas of Punchbowl who said the gyoza sets a benchmark for other Japanese restaurants to aspire to. For years, whenever I've tried the gyoza at another restaurant, the best I've been able to say is, "very good, but not as good as Yamabuki's."

Service is friendly and fast. When you tell the waiter that you will be sharing all dishes, they know to bring out extra plates without being told. (You'd think this would be obvious, but it isn't - the number of places where I have to ask for an extra plate is astonishing.)

I'm a bit of a homebody when it comes to eating. I tend to stick to eating places within a fairly limited geographical range, as you'll notice from my other reviews: they tend to be concentrated in Carlton and the CBD. Yamabuki is slightly out of my usual territory, but worth the drive. It's one of the few places I'd cross town for.

We've been going here for years - the food is always good and the KIRIN cold. The mixed sushi/sashimi platter and the Nasu Dengaku are a firm favourite. However would LOVE to see the menu updated - it's been the same for 10 years.....

I've been here so many times that the people know me and my whole family. The service is great and the food is so yummy that I can't get enough of it. The Goyza is indeed my favourite and my regular main is the Wafu Beef (the sauce is sooooo goood)

Very, very delicious Japanese food. Great, spacious restaurant and friendly waiters who ensure a great dining experience. One of my favourite Japanese restaurants!

Approximate cost: $10

One of the best Japanese restaurants. Hidden behind the simple decor and facade is sensational Japanese food. The Gyoza sets a benchmark yet to be challenged by other Japanese restaurants.