Located in the centre of eclectic Smith Street , this modern take on a traditional Japanese pub or izakaya, takes the dining and drinking experience to a whole new level.
Pabu’s cutting-edge Japanese-influenced decor, designed by award-winning architect Eid Goh of EAT Architects is both stylish and fun. Check out the giant abacus on the ceiling! At the front of the spacious restaurant, the large communal table made of recycled wood welcomes single diners and large groups. Along the side facing the open kitchen are intimate tables and comfortable booth-seating. Stretching the length of the side –wall is beautiful graffiti artwork inspired by the seasons of Japan by Hiroyasu Tsuri, an award winning local Japanese artist.
Let your hair down to the latest Japanese pop music tunes in the spacious courtyard at the rear.
Pabu is owned by the dynamic Khoa Nguyen. Don’t let his fresh-faced youth fool you – this hands-on entrepreneur has over ten years experience in Japanese cuisine. A quiet achiever in hospitality, Khoa owns and operates several popular Japanese takeaways.
Located in major shopping precincts, the Yori-Yori chain is well-known for its innovative take on Japanese classics and fusion dishes. Influenced by his Vietnamese background, Khoa’s modern Japanese cuisine, featuring at Pabu, emphasises quality ingredients, freshness, and subtle seasoning. It is also surprisingly well-priced. Despite Khoa’s success in the industry, owning an upmarket Japanese restaurant has been his dream. Enjoying a heavenly meal in the beautiful surroundings of Pabu, you will see his dream fulfilled.
The word Pabu is Japanese for pub, and like an Aussie pub, Pabu is casual, friendly and lively. A great place for anything from a casual drink, a full-on meal, a celebration to a large function, Pabu offers a range of Japanese beers, sakes and cocktails complemented by small Asian-inspired grazing plates. If alone, perch at the sushi counter and watch the energetic chefs prepare the freshest, most exquisite sashimi and sushi while sipping a gorgeous signature cocktail or a glass of wine and snacking on Japanese tapas. If in a party, share some small dishes at the communal table. The atmosphere is relaxed, the music chilled, the service unpretentious.
Pabu’s Japanese-style tapas are great for sharing and grazing. Savour char-grilled yakitori from the from the environmentally friendly bamboo charcoal grill – skewers include chicken thigh, chicken balls, chicken skin, pork asparagus, beef loin and more. While watching the sushi chefs carve and slice fish at the open bar, enjoy the freshest sushi, sashimi, and seafood dishes. Experience new taste creations from stewed, grilled and fried meats and to healthy salads. Every day, there are new specials featuring market-fresh seafood, meat and vegetable creations. Pabu’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to explain what’s on offer and suggest matching sakes and wines.
Soft shell crab lightly coated & deep fried. Served with herbs soy tossed tossed rocket salad, spicy miso & chilli mayo.
Seared porterhouse beef thinly spiced topped with, roasted sesame, spring onion, red ginger, wasabi mayo, & garlic ginger citrus soy.
Includes 5 mix skewers: Tsukune (chicken ball), Yakitori (chicken thigh), Chilli Inari Kushi (bean curd), Gyu Kushi (beef) & Buta Kushi (pork belly).
10 pieces nigiri sushi, 6 pieces maki sushi & approx. 18 pieces sashimi.
Slices of tuna lightly seared with hot sesame oil, yuzu soy sauce & wasabi mayo. 8 pieces.
Soft shell crab rolled with avocado cucumber topped with flying fish roe, toasted sesame & mayo.
Fresh tuna & salmon topped with rocket salad tossed, in sesame soy served with our chefs secret spicy sauce & mayo.
A variety of premium ice cream, warabi mochi, cherry blossom & kuromame (black soybean) rice cake & citrus sorbet.
At Pabu you can have your rice and drink it too! With a selection of sakes from all over Japan, your cup need never go empty – indeed, if you order from the premium range the cups is yours to keep. If new to this versatile rice alcohol, served both warm and cold, a good way to start is with a tasting flight in which three contrasting sakes are offered. Our attentive staff can help with suggestions and food matches. Explore exotic Japanese inspired cocktails based on sake, shochu (a vodka-type spirit) and umeshu (plum wine) as well as a range of Japanese beers on tap. Kanpai! (Cheers)
Rihaku, Naratoyosawa & Hanaranmai Komachi (40ml x3).
Ranman Tokusen Ginjo is light/medium bodied, semi dry Ginjo with a good balance of bitterness and acidity. Great to drink it chilled or room temperature.
We have a great selection of Kizakura cocktails, Choya Umeshu cocktails, Shochu cocktails & Sangria.
190 Smith Street, Collingwood
3066 Victoria, Australia
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(03) 9419 6141
izakaya@pabu.com.au
Mon – Thur: 10am – 10pm
Friday: 10am – late
Saturday: 5pm – late
Sunday: 5pm – 10pm