Kadota Restaurant

A remarkable oasis of Japanese high cuisine. Understated elegance, food presentations in angelic voices sounding like guided meditation. Almost too ceremonial at times, but it comes with the territory. A shorter and a longer set menus in omnivore and vegetarian versions are available with a few optional additions/upgrades. Apart from the additions, the menu needs to be chosen in advance to enable appropriate prep. I booked the shorter menu, added a few oysters on the day and was very satisfied with the amount of food (but couldn’t help wondering what highlights of the longer menu I must have missed). The availability of delicious mocktails helped me steer clear of the truly interesting sake and wine temptations (maybe next time). The kitchen performance was outstanding - I could not point out a standout dish, everything was delicious and had its logical place in the flow and rhythm of the culinary delights. Arigato gozaimashita! It’s too good to bypass when in the area.

Awesome experience. Highly recommended. Entry via a secluded courtyard within a heritage building and into a classy entrance sets an anticipatory expectation. Décor authentically Japanese, stylish and relatively understated. We travelled to Daylesford specifically for this experience and have elected the Sunday lunch standard set menu with Wagyu. The first few courses, sashimi based, are very good, but don’t yet hit the exceptional threshold. I’m looking for two-hat “Wow” factor. Then, I found it. The oyster dish hits the mark with flavours, texture and aromas that take me back to childhood memories at the beach. The next avocado dish blends flavours and texture, including irresistible popping salmon roe. I’ve been a Wagyu freak for around 25+ years. A5, all marble scores, a zillion restaurant variations, plus cook myself. Kadota nailed their 9+ Sher Wagyu sirloin. It’s perfection! Executive Chef Aaron Schembri applies intricate techniques to achieve the most amazing result of a unique smokey flavour, with rare texture and perfectly rendered fat. Plus summer truffles (sweeter than winter truffles), personally gathered by Aaron. All surrounded by a cacophony of delicate small vegetables. Simply amazing! Dessert dishes tasty and interesting. Great service. Your trip to Daylesford for the Kadota experience will feel well rewarded. Keep your eyes on Aaron Schembri; he has a bright future ahead, with potential to lift the bar on Victoria’s culinary standards.

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!!

Fantastic experience. Above and beyond service and attention to detail in all regards. Our group of 6 all enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend (and get the Wagyu).