Koyo - Delightfully different

At Koyo, delicious dishes come with a twist — blending Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean influences into one of Prospect Road’s most distinctive menus.

Since opening in August 2022, co-owner Clara Hoang has built a loyal following around an adventurous Asian fusion menu, with many dishes cooked over a traditional hibachi grill for a signature smoky flavour.

The cosy space is wrapped in the warm tones of pink and red, a nod to the restaurant’s name, which means ‘autumn’ in Japanese. But while the interiors are inviting, it’s the food that keeps customers returning time and time again.

For brunch, Koyo balances comfort and curiosity. There are familiar favourites like smashed avo, but diners looking to try something new can dive into the XO chilli crab udon. Sweet options are equally playful, with the chocolate pistachio strawberry toast becoming a standout favourite — a towering combination of chocolate, cream, pistachio and strawberries, finished with a drizzle of matcha.

That balance between approachable and unexpected is deliberate.

“People are generally willing to try new things, but tend to need some safe options as well,” Clara says.

Regulars keep coming back for Koyo’s delicious range of ramen dishes and popular weekly specials, including the much-loved $29 steak and fries on Wednesday nights.

But Clara also loves encouraging diners to step outside their comfort zone. On Thursdays, diners can try any large plate for $29, creating an easy entry point into dishes like roasted chicken with yuzu ponzu and mandarin kanzuri (chilli paste). Clara’s personal favourites are the chargrilled salmon with cafe de Tokyo butter, and the cha su pork fried rice.

“I’m always eating it when I’m there!” she laughs.

While Koyo is the only Asian fusion restaurant in Prospect, the location felt like a natural fit for Clara, who lives nearby and could see the area’s food culture continuing to grow. That instinct has paid off, with customers and local businesses embracing Koyo from the beginning.

“The other businesses are really nice. They message us through Instagram, like, ‘Hello neighbour!’” Clara says. “We always support each other.”

But her main focus is always on the customer. One loyal regular, who has supported Koyo since its early days, recently booked a gathering for more than 40 guests. When a friend asked him if he had tried the $29 deals, his response stayed with her.

“He said, ‘No, I never come on the special nights. I like to come on the quiet days because I want to support her. I really love her food,’” she says proudly.

“People like that, they’re why I love hospitality.”

Koyo is helping shape Prospect Road’s growing reputation as a destination for bold, exciting food.