Kuzu Izakaya, Japanese Dining, Macedon Ranges

Went here for Valentine’s Dinner. Amazing service and delicious food. Brought our 2 Jack Russell dogs - outside seating available & water bowl provided for us. Great experience!

Went here Saturday night for a birthday dinner and can really understand why the place is so highly reviewed.

The weather was cold and windy and we had an outdoor table which we thought might be pretty miserable, but the garden area is so well protected from the elements, we weren't bothered at all. There were plenty of gas heaters for all the tables and we were also offered blankets. The big table umbrellas also kept us totally dry and we didn't even notice the wind.

The outdoor area is very tranquil with a trickling water feature and so many trees and plants, while indoors seemed cozy and lively, so there are different vibes to suit everyone.

The food was amazing - we appreciated the sharing-style portions as you get to try so much more. We ordered a bunch of unique things I'd never had before. We ordered 6 dishes between 2 people, including desserts, and ate every morsel. My favourite things were the Tomorokoshi tempura (sweet corn) and tofu doughnuts. If you're not a fan of tofu, don't let it put you off trying them. It just makes them super light and fluffy inside, with a perfectly crunchy cinnamon sugar coat, and gives you the magical ability to eat a million of them. Last shout out to the "KFC" tempura cauliflower. Most places just cover their cauli bites in a thick dry batter but Kuzu's take was sweet, sticky and delicious without needing to hide the vegetable underneath.

The staff were so nice. Our waiter Rowan was friendly and the perfect level of attentive. Without us asking, he moved a heater closer to us after a nearby party left. It might seem small but thoughtful gestures like that can really make a difference. Our desserts were delivered with a candle on top by the owner Gareth, along with his bugle-assisted rendition of Happy Birthday. As typical introverts, this would normally terrify us, but he was so genuine and kind, and the place so comfortable, it was actually really nice. Their authentic warmth makes you feel at home.

I am already dreaming of the tempura again and know this place will become a regular treat for us. We're lucky to have such top tier food and service so close to home. Also, if you're driving out of Woodend at dusk, it's better than a visit to the zoo for all the wildlife you'll see! Just be careful on the roads.

Never did I think i would find a hidden gem like this in Woodend. We came here for our anniversary tonight and boy did they deliver. Everything was exquisite, couldn't find fault with the food nor the service! We have been to many, many Japanese restaurants in Melbourne but this is by far one of the top 3. Woodend is lucky to have you guys!!

We had a recent from well travelled foodie friends. When discussions came up regarding which restaurant to have dinner at Kuzu immediately came to mind.

Yet again we had an amazing evening, with spectacular dishes, excellent services (how you do it I do not know because you were packed as usual), and buzzing with ambience.

Every dish tastes unique and was discussed in great detail. As expected it got a great big tick from our friends too.

Thank you for an amazing evening

Quaint little restaurant hidden in a remote suburb. Had seen a review on it on TV and thought to try. And wow.. what an amazing place. Went for the premium set menu. It was fine dining at its best with dishes bursting with flavour and texture. One of my top 5 dining experiences. Such unusual dishes with care and complexity. Service was impeccable.

What a night! We'd heard good things and we booked early - it was worth the wait. From Gareth's warm welcome to his bugle birthday calls, the night was fun! Delicious shared food - some of the best Japanese for a long time. Terrific atmosphere with staff joining in. All six of us on a Girls' Weekend loved it - one of our most memorable dinners in a long time and over many girls' weekends!

Brilliant experience. Happened to see it on the Postcard magazine show and thought to try it out. A truly awesome culinary experience. Taste explosions and a menu which is deserving to be a 2 chefs hat rating. Service was excellent. Each course was explained in full including what we expected to experience and order of tasting. Highly recommended.

We had a fabulous night here celebrating my partners 59th, heralded by the maitre' d sounding a pink trumpet, leading the entire restaurant in singing happy birthday to her! The food, drinks and service were exceptional! The staff are genuinely hospitable, wanting to please and cater for all taste buds. This was my third visit and I'm stunned by how consistently gorgeous the food has been, and how vibrant the atmosphere is no matter which night of the week it is! Hands down one of the BEST restaurants in the Macedon Ranges. Thank you again Kuzu Izakaya for making us feel so special 💖 💕 ❤

Amazing food, friendly warm welcomes by all staff and accommodating of my two small Westie dogs out on the deck. Only regret is could taste everything on a spectacular menu. Would highly recommend it and will certainly come again when in the area. Thanks for a trip highlight!

We had a wonderful evening dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Our first time at Kuzu, we were totally impressed by the warm hospitality, the great atmosphere of a full house and wonderful Japanese cuisine so beautifully presently. We will definitely be returning. Thank you Gareth and Kuzu team for fabulous experience👍👍

Could not fault any aspect of our dining experience. Amazing food that isn’t pretentious. The $80 set menu was very generous, well timed courses and perfect flavour combinations. They also catered easily for our gluten free needs. Prompt, friendly service that made us feel welcome. This was our third visit and just consistently fabulous. Thankyou!

Delicious Japanese food - thoroughly enjoyed every dish that we selected. I couldn’t pick a favourite because there were so many standouts! The seafood was so fresh and soft - it just melted in our mouths. The decor and vibe of restaurant was very relaxed and welcoming. Staff were super lovely and attentive. We’ll definitely be coming back! Highly recommended.

I had a beautiful Mother’s Day lunch at Kuzu. The food was stunning - a veritable banquet, with dish after dish of exquisite delicacies, all perfectly presented (see my photos for some alluring examples) The service was perfect - warm , well paced and very professional. We are lucky to have this gem in our neighborhood, if only it wasn’t so hard to get in! They also catered for my mother’s ‘pescatarianism’ with classy, well matched alternatives to the meat dishes.

Oh my goodness what a dining experience! We had the extraordinary 12 course Takeko set menu. Service was AAA+. What an absolute hidden gem. Thanks very much guys, a memorable anniversary for us 🙏

We had a lovely vegan meal here last Friday night the food was amazing, and the staff were Excellent. We were moved outside when it became apparent that my partner was hearing impaired, This allowed for a much better dining experience. Thankyou

We have eaten at Kuzu many times, I had my work break up there last year and not once have we faulted any of the food. I actually end up eating WAY too much because it's all so good. Great staff, we feel welcomed by everyone and leave with a massive smile. Thank you Kuzu

Excellent food, and extremely attentive staff and not to mention we were running late but they held the table. I’ll also note 2 young children with me full of energy that the staff put up with!
Thank you for your hospitality, care and kudos to the awesome chefs!

Food was fantastic every course was amazing and the oyster shooters delicious. The service was excellent, our waiter was first class. We will be back. We had wonderful seats at the bar which gave us a great view of the chef in action.

Could not fault this dining experience. Booked with high expectations based on reviews and each dish was delicious. Staff super friendly & service faultless. Book with confidence you won’t be disappointed.

This was our fist visit, and we had one of the 3 set menus. The food was terrific and each dish arrived at good intervals (not too quick….not too slow) and it was all sooooo tasty! We will definitely return! Thanks, Heidi!! 🎌