I’m sure you’ve all gotten together with your friends at some point for some scrumptious sushi at a Kaitenzushi restaurant, or better known as a sushi train. They’re super popular and slightly gimmicky but that’s okay because it’s so fun and entertaining.

Sushi Boto is a new CBD restaurant that’s popped up at St Collins Lane that has taken its own spin on this concept and presents your sushi on boats, if you couldn’t guess that from the name. The team behind Sushi Boto have also brought you the likes of super popular café –White Mojo – plus this is a first for Melbourne!

Navy blue hand crafted sushi boats diligently sail along the picturesque Sushi Boto stream and offer you fresh and delicious plates straight to your seat. Sushi Boto’s menu is derived from traditional sushi but also includes western influences such as soy sauce infused with Vegemite and tempura chilli cheese avocado – taking inspiration from Sushi Boto’s café roots of White Mojo.

You can also expect all your sushi favourites, including traditional sashimi, California rolls, chicken karaage to black ink mini bao’s with mayonnaise egg, savoury salted egg, and the ever-popular hosomaki sushi.

If you’re feeling something a little bit extra than standard sushi check out the Chef’s Special Menu, featuring items such as the Sushi Steps, which is a literal gradient step plate much like a grand staircase. The dishes are organised from the subtlest of flavours and finish with a rich grand finale, a Japanese Foie Gras Don. Expect  New Zealand scampi, fresh oysters, hokigai surf clams, Tasman sea garfish, A+ dry aged Tasmanian salmon belly, dry aged Tasmanian salmon, fried Tasmanian scallop with shell, wild catch fish, Yuzu ponzu salad and the ubiquitous, foie gras don.

Does deconstructed sushi sound like your thing? Give the Tuna Rack a try, where you are served half a rack of dry aged tuna with seaweed and sushi rice. You can don some gloves and attempt to prepare your own sushi at the table.

Remember those impossible claw machines that were everywhere when you were a kid? Well you can fuel that nostalgia at Sushi Boto, where at the rear of the restaurant there is a line-up of toy machines and mechanical claws that can be operated with a token, handed to you by the staff if you spend more than $30. Some of the perks hiding inside include a mini ramen bow key rings, dining vouchers and even Chanel lipsticks.

So this concept might sound a little extra, but it’s a sure-fire way to draw in the crowds who come for the adorable little blue boats sailing away, but then keep coming back for the delicious, quality food, as well as the entertaining (and Instagrammable) atmosphere.

To find out more on Sushi Boto head here.

By Julia Dicconson