Melbourne has a real ‘thing’ about cheap Japanese. Everybody there can agree on the best expensive Japanese restaurants – that’s a no brainer. But everybody you talk to will have their own opinion on the best inexpensive Japanese food in the city.

Here’s one.

Yamato is hidden down an alley in Chinatown. If you’ve been to Eurotrash or Berlin Bar, it’s that lane. If you haven’t, it’s on Corrs Lane, off Little Bourke. Yamato is one of the teeniest restaurants you’ll ever visit – we think it seats about 30 all up – but what it lacks in size it makes up for in just about everything else.

The staff is friendly and very capable, the service is speedy, the décor is kitschy and cute and the food is fantastic. We suggest you eat the Agedashi tofu, sizzling salmon, Nasu Dengaku (eggplant in miso) and sizzling prawns.

Or just try one of everything, truthfully, you won’t be disappointed – especially at the end of the meal when you receive your bill. This place is not pricey.

Yamato, 28 Corrs Lane, Melbourne.