If you’re a Chapel Street Precinct local, you’ll know Toko. The sophisticated Japanese haunt that was the perfect go-to if you had someone in need of impressing. If you know her well, you’ll be a little sad to find out that Toko’s packed up and moved on out of Greville Street. But don’t shed a single tear just yet! While Toko is no more – her kid sister has taken over the spot, and boy, Tokosan is a whole lot of fun.
Like most kid siblings, Tokosan is all attitude. Think neon lights, (what new restaurant doesn’t have at least one neon?!), quirky vending machines, a karaoke booth, a huge street art mural and sweet DJ tunes. The food has taken a huge leap from delicate sashimi to what is best described as Japanese pub food. But from what we hear – the Kill Bill themed cocktail menu is the true star of the show.
Matt Yazbek, the genius behind both Toko and Tokosan made the decision to focus on a more laid back approach to dining after experiencing the gradual evolution of the food scene around Chapel Street.
“Toko Melbourne opened two years ago at a time when Southside dining was still finding its identity,” says Yazbek.
“Times have changed, and fast-casual is where the customer demand is. Tokosan was our answer. She’s a little outrageous, enjoys karaoke and DJ beats, and is definitely the life of the party.”
And he’s not wrong. The dining scene on Chapel Street and the surrounding areas, especially in Windsor, is booming. The punters are drawn to the area for the booming beats, multi hued lights and punchy cocktails rather than the tradition of sommeliers and white table cloths.
Pork Ribbies – grilled pork ribs, sticky sweet teriyaki sauce, with a jacket potato, tofu, and sour cream; Kill Bill Chicken Roll – katsu chicken, slaw, Monterey Jack cheese, jap-mayo, katsu sauce. Sushi is an obvious feature on the menu – but the $20 all you can eat Temaki Tuesday is a well received surprise!
142 Greville Street, Prahran
As a Chapel Street resident of a number of years, I’ve noticed a few changes in our community. But I’ve also observed a few things that are iconically Chapel Street that only residents can truly relate to. When you know, you know.
The Prahran Square car park is now open for business! 500 undercover parks and electric car charging stations right in the heart of the Chapel Street Precinct. Plus, it’s only $1 for 2 hours!
We wanted to unearth the precinct’s most memorable and unique burgers for the ultimate Chapel Precinct burger crawl. Warning: salivation guaranteed.
Aimed to raise essential funds for the Sacred Heart Mission’s Woman’s House, which supports women experiencing homelessness, the op shop campaign will be held earlier this year kicking off in August with a Launch Party at the Prahran op shop and finishing in September at its newest shop in Prahran.
Secondary cuts of meat are those working muscles which are more flavoursome and textural, but need a little more time and care to polish off the edges, but by doing so you are richly rewarded.
If you’ve never taken a trip to Greville Street, you’re seriously missing out. This petite Prahran street leads you gently from the hustle of Chapel Street, into a warm village of boutique makers, retailers & artists.
I braved my first Pole Dancing class at Pole Divas Prahran and I was really (dare I say it?) feeling myself. Prepared to feel uncomfortable, thankfully, my awesome older sister was eager (you can see why she’s the oldest) to join me for our first experience with the pole.
Just when you thought living or working in or near Chapel Precinct couldn’t provide any more perks… Grab your housemates and check out these awesome local deals you can nab just for living or working around these parts.