Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar 1.0•Geelong, AU-VIC 3220

Japanese•$41 to $100

Michael Bong didn’t come to Japanese cooking along the obvious route – he’s Korean, for one – but now that he has, he’s certainly making the most of it. Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar on Little Malop Street in the centre of Geelong is a tribute to the corner bars of Tokyo, with a focus on japanese tapas and warm dishes mates that come off it. That results in top-notch pork belly, beef and chicken thighs for the meat-eaters and salmon, prawns and scallops for the fish fans as well as beancurd and vegetables for the vegetarians. Aside from the grill, there is also an astounding array of sushi and sashimi dishes, octopus pancake balls, salt and pepper squid, alongside dessert options and a long cocktail menu that befits all the best, boozy backstreet izakaya joints in Japan. Take trip into Geelong town centre for a Japanese meal to remember at Tomodachi on Little Malop Street – just remember to book your table before you arrive, as they do get crowded.