J's Surf and Turf, Brighton VIC

What do you expect from a $28 all you can eat suburban Japanese eatery? To roll out of the milkbar-esque shop with a tummy full of sashimi, gyozas and tempura! Oh yes, don't forget the fresh oysters included in the price! That's right, OYSTERS!


Originally unlimited, at the time of making your booking you are now restricted to a maximum of half a dozen per person. With two sittings on Friday nights, the first at 1830 and us turning up at 2000 for the second. We had to wait five minutes as the bedlam of wait-staff and patrons light footedly danced around a scene of chaos and degustation. 


Once seated, we had to wait another fifteen minutes before a waitress noticed our nonchalant expressions. Even though J's Surf and Turf is targeted towards 'all you can eat' as opposed to a la carte, you are still required to order. 


Completely aware of the system, I ordered nine dishes in round one. Lesson to the uninitiated, ALWAYS log twice as many dishes in each round as you are able to consume...for sure, you will only receive half. 


One word of warning before we begin. Quantity over quality. Even though food flies around in abundance, if you are expecting fine dining with chef's hat quality cuisine, might I suggest another establishment. 


Medium Sushi Set. A little rough around the edges, but gets two thumbs up for ample supply of raw salmon. 












The beef and asparagus salad had a wonderful subtle flavour as the sesame vinaigrette permeates my mouth and strangely my nostrils. I think I only found two tiny morsels of asparagus. 


Now, I gauge the quality of a japanese restaurant on the quality of their tempura. So what can I say about their tempura? A+ for quantity, B- for quality. This is very much a 'fish and chippery' grade tempura. The batter was neither light or flaky, the prawns were nonetheless big and juicy. 








Lightly grilled aubergine with the same sesame based dressing as the salad. 

Gyozas were a definitive failure. Every visit I order this dish in hope they would perfect a clearly failed wrapping. Alas, I am always left disappointed. 

There is always a silver lining and that was found with the deep fried puffs of tofu in a very plain and simply dashi. The highlight of the evening.


Even though the dessert component was not worth a mention, it was still a nice gesture: vanilla or green tea ice cream, fresh fruits and a bowl of snakes. 




4 x buffet @ $28ea
1litre carafe of house white (chardonnay)  @ $11 (or $6 per glass)
1 asahi @ $5.50


Full tummies and smiles all around.