Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

A culinary gem nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Footscray, Matsu offers an exceptional Japanese dining experience that combines traditional techniques with innovative flavors. This intimate 4-seat Kaiseki restaurant is renowned for its meticulous presentation, high-quality ingredients, and the personal touch of Chef Han. With a reputation built on rave reviews and a dedicated following, Matsu is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and memorable journey through Japanese cuisine.

Matsu's menu is a symphony of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist, featuring courses like the signature Abalone Udon and Anago Tempura Rice. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, making every meal a feast for the senses. The restaurant's exclusive setting and attentive service create a perfect environment for a special occasion or a refined night out.

culinary excellence and exclusive ambiance

Yes, reservations are recommended to secure a seat at this exclusive dining spot.

what are the main highlights of visiting matsu?

Guests can enjoy expertly crafted Kaiseki courses, personalized interactions with Chef Han, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere that elevates every dining experience.

MATSU, located at 275 Barkly St, Footscray, VIC, Australia, is a culinary haven that embodies the essence of Kaiseki dining. Founded by Chef Han, the restaurant aims to provide an intimate and immersive dining experience, focusing on seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese techniques. The vision was to create a space where guests could enjoy not just a meal, but a carefully curated experience that celebrates the art of Japanese cuisine.

The ambiance is designed to reflect simplicity and elegance, allowing diners to focus on the artistry of each dish. With only four seats available, MATSU offers a unique opportunity for personal interaction with Chef Han, enhancing the overall experience.

This dedication to quality and craftsmanship has made MATSU a standout in Footscray, attracting food enthusiasts eager to explore authentic Kaiseki dining.

Since its inception, MATSU has achieved several key milestones that highlight its growth and commitment to excellence:

Opened in 2023, quickly gaining a reputation for its exceptional Kaiseki menu.

Received rave reviews from food critics and diners alike, establishing itself as a must-visit destination in Footscray.

Chef Han's innovative approach blends traditional techniques with local ingredients, creating a unique dining experience.

Established a loyal customer base, with many returning for the intimate dining experience.

MATSU is deeply rooted in the local community of Footscray, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of the area. The restaurant not only serves as a dining destination but also as a cultural hub where culinary traditions are shared and celebrated. Chef Han's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients fosters a connection between the restaurant and the community, allowing diners to experience the flavors of Footscray in every dish.

The restaurant often collaborates with local farmers and artisans, ensuring that the menu evolves with the seasons and highlights the best of what the region has to offer. This approach not only enriches the dining experience but also supports the local economy.

At the heart of MATSU is Chef Han, whose passion for Japanese cuisine and dedication to his craft are evident in every dish. With years of experience in prestigious kitchens, Chef Han brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table. His vision for MATSU is to create a space where guests can enjoy a personal and memorable dining experience.

The small team at MATSU works closely with Chef Han, each member contributing their unique skills and perspectives. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of the dining experience is thoughtfully curated, from the food presentation to the service.

As MATSU continues to grow, it adapts to the changing culinary landscape while staying true to its roots. The restaurant embraces innovation, experimenting with new flavors and techniques, yet maintains a strong foundation in traditional Kaiseki principles.

This balance of tradition and modernity allows MATSU to offer a unique dining experience that resonates with both local patrons and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Japan in Footscray.

MATSU is committed to preserving the art of Kaiseki dining while fostering a sense of community and connection through food. As it continues to evolve, the restaurant remains a testament to the beauty of Japanese culinary traditions, inviting guests to experience the harmony of flavors and artistry in every dish.

For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, MATSU in Footscray is a destination that promises not only exquisite food but also a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each dish.

Located at 275 Barkly St, Footscray, MATSU is a unique dining experience specializing in Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. This intimate restaurant, seating only four guests, offers a meticulously crafted menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and culinary artistry. Chef Han, known for his innovative approach, combines traditional techniques with bold flavors, ensuring each dish is a delightful surprise.

Exceptional quality of food and presentation

MATSU is perfect for food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience, special occasions, or intimate gatherings. The personalized service and exquisite dishes make it a memorable choice for those looking to celebrate.

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

The Kaiseki menu is priced at $235, with optional sake pairings.

Cash payments are encouraged to avoid card surcharges.

MATSU offers a remarkable dining experience that combines exquisite food, personalized service, and a unique atmosphere. While the price may be high, the quality and attention to detail make it worth the visit. This is a place where culinary artistry meets heartfelt hospitality, leaving guests with unforgettable memories.

Nestled at 275 Barkly Street, matsu offers a sophisticated and intimate Kaiseki experience that rivals Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan. With only four seats, this exclusive restaurant allows guests to indulge in meticulously prepared dishes by Chef Han, blending traditional techniques with bold, innovative flavors. The ambience is enhanced by elegant presentation and attentive service, making every visit unforgettable.

book now for an extraordinary culinary journey

Footscray

Oceania

Australia

MATSU, located at 275 Barkly St, Footscray, VIC, is a culinary gem specializing in Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dining experience. Founded by Chef Han, this intimate restaurant features only four seats, allowing for a personalized dining experience that emphasizes quality and attention to detail. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, showcasing Chef Han's expertise in blending traditional techniques with innovative flavors. The ambiance is serene, making it a perfect escape for food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable meal.

The culinary experience at MATSU is nothing short of extraordinary. Each Kaiseki meal is a carefully curated set menu, priced at $235, with an optional sake pairing for $85. Guests are welcomed with a soothing Yuzu tea, setting the tone for the exquisite journey ahead. The menu features a variety of dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. Notable dishes include:

Scallop, White fish, Ginger, Zucchini, Ume

Wagyu, Radish, Yuzu Kosho, Miso, Spring onion

Dessert: Monaka, Red bean, Shiratama dango, Kinako

Situated in the vibrant Footscray neighborhood, MATSU is surrounded by a rich tapestry of culture and community. The area is known for its diverse culinary scene and artistic flair, making it an ideal destination for food lovers. Nearby attractions include the Footscray Market, where visitors can explore fresh produce and local delicacies, and the Maribyrnong River, offering scenic walks and recreational activities. This locale enhances the dining experience, providing a blend of culinary excellence and cultural immersion.

A: Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

Embark on a culinary adventure at MATSU in Footscray, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and artistry. Reserve your seat today and experience the magic of Kaiseki dining.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2OFliMmJ3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfyMnzqxd1moR6bxgp-iSxpg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2OFliMmJ3EAE

We had the most amazing experience dining at Matsu. Every detail from the moment we arrived to when we left was 11/10. The service was amazing, Chef Han was super friendly and helpful with the questions we asked. The food was the highest of quality and presented beautifully. All of the kitchenware and small details were so classy and unique. Truly an unforgettable experience.
We also had some tea and a sake pairing which both went well with each course perfectly. Highly recommend and will definitely be coming back.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIcG9EVkhREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfyMnzqxd1moR6bxgp-iSxpg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIcG9EVkhREAE

Hands down one of the BEST Kaiseki I’ve had including Michelin starred restaurants in Japan.

IMHO Chef Han is brilliant in incorporating the traditional techniques with best ingredients sourced locally and overseas, as well as I love the bolder take of flavours.

Every bite is a symphony of flavours to my taste buds and it’s amazing how Chef Han is able to keep delivering in each course.

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience including connecting with Chef Han during the meal. He’s also generous with his knowledge and tips which is greatly appreciated too.

Hope we’ll get the ballot to dine at Matsu again🥰

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIaHB1cHNnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfyMnzqxd1moR6bxgp-iSxpg/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIaHB1cHNnRRAB

Matsu
Set Menu $235 + Sake Pairing $85
- Welcoming Drink: Yuzu Tea 🍵
- Braised eggplant in dashi 🍆
- SAKIZUKE: Egg, Dashi, Scallop, Shiitake mushroom, Mullet roe, Kamaboko, Mitsuba 🥚
- HASSUN: Sesame Pudding, Chestnut, Octopus, Mushroom Tempura, Scallop, Cherry Tomato
- MUSHIMONO: Abalone, Udon, Cream, Pine nut 🍜
- WANMONO: Scallop, White fish, Ginger, Zucchini, Ume 🍲
- OTSUKURI: King Fish, Salmon, Tuna Sashimi 🐟
- NIMONO: Wagyu, Radish, Yuzu Kosho, Miso, Spring onion 🐄
- OSUSHI: Chef’s Selection of Nigiri 🍣
- SHOKUJI: Gohan (Rice) - Anago, Shiso, Ikura, Chive 🍚
- Dobin Mushi - Green Tea, Dashi, Prawn, Carrot, Shiitake mushroom, Mitsuba 🫖
- DESSERT: Monaka, Red bean, Shiratama dango, Kinako,
- Okinawa Black Sugar & Ice-cream 🍨
- Add on: Uni Sushi $29

It was a great pleasure to dine at Matsu, an intimate 4 seats restaurant specialises in Kaiseki. I can grantee you it is worth the hype and ride to Footscray. Everything was a 10/10 for me. Chef Han’s cooking was demure and mindful so as the interactions with him. Everything was well-explained. It was a night full of laughters.
Highlight of the night was the Abalone udon and Anago tempura rice. The perfectly cooked udon paired with a creamy and umami white sauce made with abalone liver was a mind blower. The anago tempura was light and crispy. I love how it can be eaten two ways as a normal tempura don and ochazuke. The rice was also made into onigiris for us to take home. The visual, flavour and texture of the food all slapped. I would absolutely come back again.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3c0lpRW53RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfyMnzqxd1moR6bxgp-iSxpg/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3c0lpRW53RRAB

ORDERED:
🍴 Kaiseki set ($235.00)
🥃 Sake: Lychee 60ml ($19.00)
🥛 Still water (half) ($4.50)

My portion was $258.50 here!

REVIEW:
❤ Overall, I had a great time at Matsu.
It's an intimate 4 seater experience where you're seated close to the chef. I could feel Chef Han's knife cuts vibrate through the wood in the table when he went in with the harder slices. It was also an amazing experience to see the food, in detail, prepared before your eyes. 📸

The food was delicious. The top 3 stands out were:
1. Hassun: Chef's selection. Little bites, the tempura batter on the shiso leaf and the corn were to die for. Also, a 3 day marinated cherry tomato that burst in your mouth with a memorable collision of sweet and tart flavours. 🍅
2. Mushimono: Abalone, udon, cream, pine nut. There was freshly shaved truffle, which enhanced the umami flavour, bringing an earthy element that was incredible. The udon was incredibly thin and silky smooth. 🍝
3. Dessert: Red bean and sesame ice cream monaka. Two thin wafers sandwich the iconic sesame and red bean combo, making it a sweet treat to end a massive meal. I could've had two of these! 🥪

Overall, the ingredients were fresh (MUST have when there's sashimi and nigiri courses) and delicious. It's worthwhile trying to get a seat, but I wouldn't rush to go back a second time. ☁.
I wish there was a bit more storytelling, though, to set this kaiseki experience on top of the rest. 📖

To save a bit of money (because this is expensive), see if you can opt in for tap water and pay in cash. There's a 1.3% surcharge on cards or 2.5% for AMEX. 🌼

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMdU51Z3RnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJfyMnzqxd1moR6bxgp-iSxpg/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMdU51Z3RnRRAB

For a restaurant of this high cost and level of exclusivity, you would expect the best quality of everything you eat – and that’s exactly what you get here. We were blown away by every single dish that was served to us. The quality is exceptional, and you leave feeling extremely full and satisfied. There was not a single flaw in both the service and the food itself, making it an unforgettable experience.

Whilst it is the most expensive meal we’ve had and are willing to splurge for a special occasion, we couldn’t help but feel that more sushi courses would better justify the cost because there are only 5 sushi courses. While the quality is exceptional, I personally prefer more sushi courses in an omakase/kaiseki experience. This restaurant doesn’t focus on that, which is perfectly fine, but it’s a matter of personal preference. If these two points don’t concern you, then I highly recommend you visit.

Experience Exquisite Kaiseki Dining at Matsu, Footscray's Luxury Restaurant

Matsu Footscray Menu Overview and Dining Experience Overview 

Nestled in the heart of Footscray, Matsu offers an intimate and refined Kaiseki dining experience that stands out for its meticulous preparation and exquisite flavors. This exclusive four-seat restaurant, led by the talented Chef Han, seamlessly blends traditional Japanese culinary techniques with bold, modern twists, sourcing the highest quality local and overseas ingredients. Guests can expect a carefully curated multi-course meal showcasing delicate artistry and sophisticated taste profiles.

 with a welcoming drink of refreshing yuzu tea, setting a vibrant tone for the meal. The delectable Sakizuke features a delicate combination of egg, dashi, scallop, shiitake mushroom, mullet roe, kamaboko, and mitsuba, perfectly balancing umami and fresh flavors. Following this, the Hassun course presents an elegant array of bite-sized delights including sesame pudding, chestnut, octopus, mushroom tempura, scallop, and a marinated cherry tomato bursting with sweet and tart notes.

The main courses are a celebration of texture and flavor mastery. Highlights include the Mushimono, a heavenly blend of abalone, udon, cream, and pine nut, elevated by freshly shaved truffle that adds an earthy depth. The Wanmono features scallop, white fish, ginger, zucchini, and ume, expertly crafted to tantalize the palate. The Otsukuri course offers an exquisite sashimi selection of king fish, salmon, and tuna, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and precision.

For a rich and indulgent touch, the Nimono presents tender wagyu with radish, yuzu kosho, miso, and spring onion, while the Osushi course offers the chef’s handpicked selection of nigiri sushi, a refined culmination of the seafood journey. The Shokuji concludes the savory portion with a beautifully composed gohan rice dish featuring anago, shiso, ikura, and chive – a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The dessert course is a delightful finale featuring monaka wafers sandwiching a luscious blend of red bean, shiratama dango, and kinako, paired with Okinawa black sugar and ice cream for a rich and satisfying sweet treat. This beautifully balanced dessert showcases traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist, perfect for closing the meal on a high note.

Complement your meal with a selection of drinks including specially curated sake pairings, such as the delicate lychee sake that enhances the subtle flavors of the Kaiseki courses. Matsu also serves beer and wine, allowing guests to find the perfect accompaniment to their dining experience. The welcoming yuzu tea offers a refreshing non-alcoholic option that prepares the palate for the flavors ahead.

 - A luxurious addition to the meal featuring creamy uni that elevates the sushi experience with rich ocean flavors.

Dining at Matsu is not only about exceptional food but also about the intimate interaction with Chef Han, whose passion and expertise shine through every course. The setting is cozy and exclusive, with only four seats, allowing guests to witness the artistry and precision of Kaiseki preparation up close. For those seeking a sophisticated Japanese dining experience with impeccable quality and thoughtful presentation, Matsu in Footscray is an unforgettable destination.

Savor authentic Japanese cuisine at MATSU, Footscray's hidden gem! Indulge in fresh sushi and vibrant flavors. Book your table today!

MATSU: Authentic Japanese Dining in Footscray VIC

Maribyrnong City Municipality

MATSU

Victoria

Discover Matsu in Footscray, VIC - an intimate restaurant offering exquisite Kaiseki, sushi, and innovative Japanese cuisine. Book now!

Matsu Footscray - Top Japanese Kaiseki Experiences in VIC

Enjoy a high-end Japanese dining experience at Matsu in Footscray, VIC, with exceptional service, unique dishes, and a cozy ambience. Reserve your spot!

Explore Matsu Footscray - Exclusive Japanese Dining in VIC

Learn about Matsu in Footscray, VIC, where tradition meets innovation. Perfect for food lovers seeking authentic Japanese dishes and stylish ambiance.