I was recently invited to experience a taste of O’Cha Cha – a divine authentic Japanese restaurant located in the centre of Cairns. With a wide variety of dishes on offer, great value for money and an ideal location, my husband, two boys (aged five and seven) and I had a family night out.
O’Cha Cha is locally owned and operated by a small Japanese family and the atmosphere is like a little slice of Japan in the heart of Cairns. This quaint little gem is hidden away on Lake Street within Palm Court (above the old Blue Sky Brewery). Itchey and his wife are a great team in the kitchen preparing and cooking all the outstanding food themselves.
The setting is traditional Japanese with the option of western table service or sitting at low traditional Japanese tables on the floor, which our children loved (especially having to take their shoes off and sitting on a little cushion).
The restaurant features IZAKAYA Style dining where the dishes are served when it’s ready rather than in formal courses.
The variety on the menu was outstanding. I was pleased to see a kid’s menu which included dishes with chicken, pork, beef or vegetarian as well as rice, juice, side dishes and a lollypop served on a smiley-faced plate.
Looking around the room, there were plenty of other families enjoying the child-friendly atmosphere with high chairs and children’s books readily available.
Choosing for myself was a little more difficult with so much to choose from including noodles, curries, sashimi and a set menu. The set menu came out on a traditional Japanese tray beautifully laid out with miso soup, a large serving of rice with coconut chicken curry, a side salad and dessert to follow. It was absolutely delicious and so fresh!
The staff were extremely attentive, friendly and interactive with our children as our two boys tried to impress the team with a few of the Japanese words they have learned from school.
We had such a lovely dining experience and walked away talking about the next time we will dine at O’Cha Cha. My boys were so pleased with our family night out they told us it was “the best night ever,” and “so delicious, Mum. Everything was so yummy.”
If you are trying to decide where to take the family for dinner that is affordable with fresh, great-tasting food, look no further than O’Cha Cha. Whether you are looking for somewhere nice to take the visiting relatives, are in need of a night off cooking or are celebrating a special occasion, l would highly recommend a dining experience at O’Cha Cha.
Have you discovered the best Japanese dining experience in Cairns yet? Check out their website here.
