Gyuniku is Sydney’s new All-You-Can-Eat Japanese hotspot

Updated: 19/11/2024

Say hello to Gyuniku, the ultimate Japanese buffet in Haymarket that’s redefining the all-you-can-eat scene. Think premium wagyu, fresh sushi, sizzling DIY BBQ, and a dessert bar that will make your inner child squeal with delight. Step inside Gyuniku, where tradition meets trendy. With 30 BBQ stations and seating for 110 hungry diners, the space is a seamless blend of traditional yakiniku charm and modern Japanese convenience. Whether you’re rolling in with a big group or keeping it cosy, there’s room for everyone to grill, chill, and indulge. The highlight? Unlimited Wagyu MB9+, marbled to perfection and ready to sizzle at your table. Prefer a mix? The menu also features melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu MB7–9 cuts, short ribs, marinated chicken, and fresh seafood. But it’s not just about the BBQ. Sushi lovers, rejoice! The self-service sushi bar is constantly replenished with expertly rolled sushi, sashimi, and nigiri. Add to that a variety of hot and fried favourites, wakame salad, and sauces galore to customise every bite. And let’s not forget dessert. Gyuniku’s DIY frozen yoghurt station is a must-visit. Load up your fro-yo with sprinkles, tapioca pearls, or M&M’s and end your feast on a sweet (and highly Instagrammable) note. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. Grill your own meat, sip a cold Asahi, and laugh over endless plates of sushi with your mates. The self-paced, interactive setup makes it ideal for catching up with friends or breaking the ice on a first date. Gyuniku offers a 90-minute all-you-can-eat experience starting at just $45.90 for the… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK

Tags: all you can eat, Japan, japanese, sydney, sydney restaurants

New restaurant to try in Sydney: Oribu on Church Street

Oribu Japanese SIGNATURE CRISPY RICE QUARTET 2

by James Banham

Posted: 21/10/2024

Nestled in the heart of Church Street’s esteemed Heritage Precinct, Oribu is embarking on an exciting new chapter, unveiling not just one, but three culinary maestros at its helm. This dynamic trio of head chefs—Jay Lee, Jaybert Teves, and Bryan Paul Nery—bring their unique flair and expertise to the kitchen, introducing a vibrant new spring-summer menu, Natsu no Yume – Summer Dream. Under the guidance of these chefs, Oribu’s kitchen transforms into a harmonious symphony of flavours, where each chef’s individual style melds into a menu that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Jaybert Teves, an artist in sashimi, leverages his experience from Sokyo to blend classic techniques with seasonal flavours. His creations, such as the watermelon-cured snapper and mango-dressed tuna, offer a refreshing twist on traditional sashimi, capturing the summer essence in every bite. Taking charge of the hot food station, Jay Lee infuses his fine dining prowess from Aria into dishes that celebrate local produce with Japanese finesse. A highlight from his repertoire includes the lobster tail, elegantly paired with charred lemon, asparagus, and a miso beurre blanc, showcasing his skill in harmonising robust flavours with refined presentation. Bringing a playful Southeast Asian influence to the mix, Bryan Paul Nery crafts inventive small plates designed to surprise and delight. His tempura prawn taco with mango salsa and spicy tuna maki are not only visually captivating but also perfectly balance taste and texture. Oribu continues to delight with its popular tasting menus, offering two meticulously curated 10-course journeys. The Signature Tasting… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ASIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Church Street, japanese, Oribu

Sydney’s new Japanese foodie precinct Prefecture 48 should be top of your list

by Danielle Kirk

Updated: 21/10/2024

If you thought you’d tasted all Sydney has to offer, think again. Prefecture 48 has landed in the CBD with a bang, and it’s here to shake up the dining scene with six separate and unique Japanese-inspired venues spanning three floors under one (very, very stylish) roof. The entire ethos behind this venture from Azabu group is simple: good hospitality. Every venue, and there is quite the range from casual to fine dining, is centered around providing the finest aspects of Japanese tradition and transforming it into an experience that fosters connections and memorable experiences. Every dish is created to showcase each chefs mastery and the diverse tastes and food styles of Japan. Prepare for a culinary adventure that spans Japan’s 47 prefectures, and enter the (unofficial) 48th right here on Sussex Street Sydney. Whether it’s the elegant kaiseki at Garaku or the Tokyo-style robata grilling at Ibushi, every dish across Prefecture 48 is a nod to Japan’s rich and diverse food culture. Omakase enthusiasts, you’ll want to lock in a seat at their eight-seat sushi bar, where guest chefs bring their A-game with a rotating menu selected by them. With its fusion of Japanese and European dishes, FIVE is bound to become your new lunch break obsession. From elevated snacks to serious mains, it blends flavours with a finesse that feels very cosmopolitan. And when the inevitable post-meal sweet craving hits, the in-house patisserie Dear Florence is ready to indulge you on the ground floor. If you’re not looking to dine but drink, don’t… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ASIAN FOOD, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: japanese, japanese food, prefecture 48, sydney restaurants

Tombo Den Japanese opens in Melbourne this September

by James Banham

Posted: 03/09/2024

Melbourne’s dining scene is about to get a vibrant new addition with the opening of Tombo Den, the latest venture by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas. Set to open on Saturday, September 7th, at 100 Chapel Street, Windsor, Tombo Den promises to transport diners straight to the bustling streets of Tokyo with its reinterpretation of the city’s late-night dining culture, infused with a touch of Melbourne flair. Tombo Den captures the essence of Tokyo’s izakayas—those lively, labyrinth-like pubs known for their relaxed atmosphere and adventurous eats. Chris Lucas, whose passion for Japanese cuisine and culture was sparked during his time living in Tokyo in the 90s, is excited to bring this experience to Windsor. “I can’t wait to bring a slice of this to the area,” Lucas shares, reminiscing about his days savoring street food in downtown Tokyo. Leading the culinary charge is celebrated chef Dan Chan, whose impressive resume includes stints at the Michelin-starred Yardbird in Hong Kong and Melbourne’s own Supernormal. Alongside Lucas, Chan has crafted a menu that pays homage to Tokyo’s dining culture while incorporating Melbourne’s sensibilities. The sushi offerings are a standout, with Kisumé Sushi Masters Toaki Kyo and Carlos Lopez bringing their expertise to a menu that honors sushi’s beginnings as a street food staple. Diners can enjoy a rotating selection of sashimi and nigiri, including deluxe options like scallop and wagyu, served from a central counter. The à la carte menu is a testament to the creativity and skill behind Tombo Den. Small Plates feature tempting bites like Sapporo… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ASIAN FOOD, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

Tags: japanese, melbourne restaurants, Tombo, Tombo Den

Where Tokyo’s streets come to life

by James Banham

Updated: 17/01/2024

DOPA, the retro Japanese fast-casual eatery created by The Devon Group, has recently opened its 7th store, marking its first ever location in the Eastern Suburbs. On December 8th, DOPA introduced Bondi Junction to its chemically transformative culinary experience, inspired by the chemical dopamine. The menu, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Zachary Tan and Executive Pastry Chef Markus Andrew, offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory dishes. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Tokyo, DOPA reimagines Japanese comfort food while adhering to its slow food ethos of quality, sustainability, and ethical food production. The stars of the menu are the Japanese donburis, with over twenty variations to choose from. To celebrate the grand opening of DOPA Bondi Junction, they are introducing the Bondi Don, a vegan donburi packed with flavor. This plant-based delight features a beef patty alternative, rice, tare, seaweed, sliced shallots, vegan cheese, secret sauce, and tomato sauce—a perfect choice for health-conscious Bondi consumers. Classic donburis include mouthwatering options like teriyaki chicken and karaage. For those seeking a unique twist, DOPA offers choices such as the cheeseburger wagyu, wagyu beef tongue, or glacier 51 toothfish. Dessert lovers will revel in the popular DOPA mochi daifuku, available in flavors like matcha, strawberry, and vegan mango. The signature matcha or original cheesecake tantalizes taste buds, combining the best of east and west flavors. Thirst-quenching signature drinks include DOPA’s home brewed iced tea in refreshing lychee, raspberry, and Yuzu flavors. Step inside DOPA and you’ll find its vibrant menu reflected in the sleek interior design…. Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ASIAN FOOD, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK

Tags: bondi restaurant, Dopa, japanese, Japanese Bondi

Tag: japanese

Gyuniku is Sydney’s new All-You-Can-Eat Japanese hotspot

New restaurant to try in Sydney: Oribu on Church Street

Sydney’s new Japanese foodie precinct Prefecture 48 should be top of your list

Tombo Den Japanese opens in Melbourne this September

Where Tokyo’s streets come to life