Emilia reviews an authentic Izakaya which perfectly captures the essence of Japanese tradition

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DenDeke

113 High Street, Preston.

When it comes to the perfect local food spot, you need a few key ingredients: great food, an easygoing vibe, a solid drink selection, and a bit of personality. DenDeke in Preston ticks all those boxes and more. This izakaya-style bar is a place where you’ll feel just as comfortable hanging out with friends as you would having a family meal. It’s the kind of place that turns a casual knock-off dinner into a night that stretches longer than expected – and that’s exactly how they like it.

The eclectic decor sets the tone, featuring vintage 1970s Japanese movie posters, retro images of yakuza and Japanese biker culture, and even a cheeky nod to Star Wars thanks to owner Aaron’s personal memorabilia collection. And if you’re a fan of Uma Thurman’s iconic Kill Bill look, keep your eyes peeled for her portrait in the back corner, with Japanese script added for that authentic flair.

As an izakaya, DenDeke takes their drinks seriously. The extensive drink menu features a great range of sake, umeshu, Japanese beers, wines, and spirits. It’s one of the more informative drink menus you’ll come across. You’ll start with a quick sake lesson on the first page, making it easy to dive right in, even if you’re new to the scene and end with a history lesson on whisky.

Cocktail lovers will also appreciate the playful references to Japanese cinema. Each cocktail is named after a classic film or character, bringing a touch of pop culture into the mix. I tried the Rita Chao – a gin-based cocktail with shiso umeshu, raspberry shrub, pineapple juice, and fresh lemon. Turns out, Rita Chao was a Singaporean singer and actress from the ‘60s, known for her mini skirts and knee-high boots. A little trivia with your drink makes it all the more fun!

DenDeke’s menu is as diverse as its clientele, offering both great gluten-free and vegan options to cater to all. None of the dietary options feel like an afterthought – everything is crafted to deliver vibrant, authentic flavors without compromising on quality.

We started with a couple of small plates. The Hosomaki offered up thin sushi rolls filled with everything from cucumber and avocado to tuna mayo and salmon, with both vegan and gluten-free options available. Simple, clean flavors that were just the right size for a starter. The Wagyu Tataki (seared rare wagyu with yuzu kosho ponzu and daikon oroshi dressing) was a standout- perfectly seared and tender, with the citrusy yuzu elevating the richness of the beef.

The Nasu Dengaku (grilled eggplant with sweet miso glaze) was another highlight, bringing a deep umami flavor from the miso, while the Chashu Pork (slow-cooked pork belly with ginger and yuzu kosho sauce) was melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with savory goodness.

For mains, we opted for the Chicken Curry (with gluten-free options) that came with deep-fried karaage chicken, a dish so comforting you could imagine yourself curled up on a rainy day in Osaka. The Apple Granita and Bao Ice Cream were the perfect way to cool down and round out the meal- a refreshing shaved ice dessert and an indulgent twist on a classic bao bun.

If you’re heading there with a group, DenDeke has a couple of great options. The DenDeke Selection tasting platter for two comes with a solid variety of items like assorted sashimi, spicy poke, ebi miso mayo, and pumpkin salad. If you’re still unsure what to order, the Help Me, Obi-Wan Kenobi option lets the staff curate a selection of dishes based on your dietary preferences and budget, making it perfect for those who want a bit of everything.

DenDeke isn’t just another izakaya – I was so impressed with what felt like a local haunt proved itself to be up there with some of the best Japanese food and atmosphere in Melbourne. It made me want to book a flight to Japan immediately, knowing budgets right now though, it’s a lot cheaper to nip down to DenDeke and get a slice of it. A true gem in the neighborhood, with a vibe that perfectly captures the essence of both Japanese tradition and Melbourne’s laid-back food scene.