Wabi Sabi Salon

The Details

Wabi Sabi Salon on Smith Street Collingwood has re-opened with a fresh new look. The 15-year-old restaurant had a face-lift recently by the De Keyzers architecture group. Tomoya and Saori Kawasaki own Wabi Sabi, Neko Neko, and the now-closed St Kilda Wabi Sabi restaurants.

As its name suggests, Wabi Sabi Salon is beautiful in simplicity. The menu has had a revamp as well and focuses on “being more healthy” and that includes the drink options. You will find seafood and vegetarian/vegan options on the menu now, no other meats.

The Food

On offer is a large menu that includes 3 types of vegan ramen, Japanese curry, modern Japanese fusion salads, brown rice miso, sides and bento boxes. Warm sake is made at the large communal table, which is great for winter. Like a Japanese mulled wine. The bar is stocked with plenty of other drinks.

A specialty that Tomoya is working on is the Amazake drink, a traditional sweet, non-alcoholic Japanese drink made from fermented rice. The probiotics are great for the digestive system, making this a very healthy and tasty drink.