Kadota Restaurant

We spent a lovely evening at Kadota on the Saturday of the long weekend. Every touch point was amazing. We had the 10 course set menu with the wagyu course. I had the Japanese plum wine vodka martini and a dessert wine with dessert. Apologies for the poor quality pics but hopefully they convey the skill, care and love shown with each course. Did I mention how absolutely delicious these dishes were? Haven’t uploaded all of the shots I took. Only one truly minor comment the final dessert was a little too theatrical for me with the flower pot and dry ice - but it conveyed the sense of pride the restaurant has in what it ‘brings to the table’. Yup - couldn’t help it. If you’re in Daylesford or anywhere in the vicinity - especially for a special occasion- I’d highly recommend.

We had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Kadota. Risa and her team were amazing and very sweet helping us mark the occasion. The food was exceptional - we opted for the "short" course menu, which was more than sufficient - although we also could've happily eaten more delicious dishes!

From the moment I entered Kadota, I knew I was in for an exceptional experience. The set menu offered a wonderful journey through Japanese cuisine, with every dish prepared with great care and attention to detail. The service was outstanding, professional yet warm and welcoming, making the evening even more enjoyable. Every dish was explained clearly, including the ingredients. The unique cocktails were creative and perfectly complemented the meal, adding an extra touch to the experience. I had an amazing night with my friends, and I can highly recommend Kadota for anyone looking for a truly memorable dining experience.

Brilliant! We’ve had the pleasure of dining at Kadota half a dozen times over the past couple of years. It is always exceptional. So much love is put into every aspect of this restaurant. We’re so lucky to have a restaurant of this calibre 30 minutes away from Castlemaine.

I’ve been to Kadota twice now, and both visits have been exceptional. The first time was with my husband for a special occasion, and it was everything we hoped for elegant, beautifully presented dishes and an atmosphere that made the night feel truly special. The staff were warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcomed. What really stood out was the delicate balance and refinement of the food. Each dish allowed the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine, without relying on heavy sauces or overpowering seasoning. It’s the kind of Japanese cuisine that respects simplicity and precision. I returned with a friend of mine who is Japanese and a true food lover, someone who has enjoyed great Japanese food both in Japan and Melbourne. She was so impressed and kept mentioning how much she loved the experience, even days after our visit. That kind of lasting impression says a lot. I really think Kadota is a rare find, thoughtful, authentic, and beautifully executed. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates quality Japanese cuisine!!

Food was incredible here; the flavour combinations the chef put together was mind-blowing. I haven't seen such innovation with flavours and textures like this in a while, especially at a restaurant in a small town! Such detail and attention were put into turning local produce into gems of experience with every dish. Service was excellent and friendly. The restaurant is a little cold but you can request for heating to be turned up or grab a blanket. I'll definitely be back again in the near future!

Took my wife to Kadota Daylesford for a birthday dinner and it was easily the best vegetarian set menu I have had in Australia. We booked well in advance as they sell out quickly and spent a wonderful 4 hours there from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. What sets Kadota apart is how thoughtful their vegetarian menu is. At $200 per person it felt fairly priced and never like an afterthought compared to the meat menu. Every course was beautifully paced and explained. Our waiter Risa was excellent and shared the history of the restaurant and her husband’s culinary training in Japan. The food was exceptional. Highlights included delicate miso with enoki and nori oil, smoky eggplant with shiitake and sesame, and a standout shio koji braised king oyster mushroom. The progression of flavours was clever and balanced with each course arriving just when you were ready for it. Desserts were the real surprise. Kadota served three of them, not one or two. Carrot ice cream with tarragon and bee pollen, a parsnip and adzuki creation, and finally a pumpkin, pine nut and burnt honey pie. All unique, all brilliant, and a perfect finish. Service, storytelling and food quality made the evening memorable. Highly recommend Kadota for anyone seeking fine dining in Daylesford, vegetarian or otherwise.

My husband & I enjoyed a double birthday Saturday lunch at Kadota at the end of March. Lovely entry & Japanese themed garden. The decor inside was very tastefully done in typical Japanese style. We had the 5 course set menu. It was tasty with clean, clear Japanese flavours. But the portions were small & especially the chicken main though tasty was a small piece of chicken. That was disappointing especially when it was a pricey meal! We have had tasting menus at 2 hatted restaurants before & the portion size of each course were not this small. My husband was still a bit peckish after the meal ! The waiting staff were very cordial & friendly & Risa was lovely to talk to as well.