A stroll down Smith Street can overwhelm you with choice when it comes to finding somewhere for dinner, especially if it’s Japanese you’re after. While there are a few Japanese neighbours near the Gertrude Street end, Peko Peko holds its own when it comes to casual dining and affordable fare.

Brought to you by the owners of Northcote’s Otsumami, Peko Peko is smaller and less formal than its sister restaurant, but the similarities are evident, from its smart wooden furniture to the subtle Japanese decor and open kitchen.

The menu is similarly divided into ‘small’, ‘medium’ and ‘big’, offering some non-traditional dishes and classic standards such as sashimi, agedashi tofu and okonomiyaki. Slurp away at the chilli tofu soba; the chilli is light on but it makes up for the spice with a delicate smoky broth and big chunks of soft tofu. Don’t forget the desserts board though – our favourite being the velvety black sesame ice cream. Oishii!