LOCATION
Across the park at Bronte Beach, 15 minutes by car east of the CBD.
DETAILS
Offering a real alternative, BONSAI is a welcome culinary addition to the Bronte cafe strip. Fabulously fresh sushi and sashimi is featured, along with traditional Japanese dishes and fusionist fare. Chef Hidetoshi Tsuboi draws on his diverse experience and influences, presenting a truly seasonal menu and delicious daily specials.
The intimate dining room is clean and crisp, with comfortable upholstered chairs and dark wood furniture squared up against a deep red wall. A striking tree sculpture, made from bamboo, spreads up the walls and across the ceiling, with lights dangling above the tables.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available, with most tables affording a clear view across beautiful Bronte Beach.'
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
On a strip that was once the sole domain of milk bars and fish and chipperies, a new breed of noshery has taken hold. First there was Swell, chic cafe by day and fine diner by night, and now BONSAI, a joint venture between Swell’s Sandy Bruns and partner Tim Petersen, bringing Japanese dining to Bronte’s sandy shores. The tiny dining room draws from minimalist Japanese design; an abstract bamboo bonsai sculpture branches across the ceiling, delicate flowers and glowing candles grace the tables. Every table in and out takes advantage of the views of Bronte Beach.
The menu aims high, mixing familiar fare like grilled yakitori chicken and crunchy spider rolls with innovative, crossover creations courtesy of Swell chef Daud Kendall. On his kitchen team are five chefs from Japan, slicing sashimi, rolling sushi and fashioning delicate little appetisers like fish and chive pan-fried gyozas and kingfish tataki salad with daikon and apple and soy mustard dressing. Mains include an intriguing mille fuille of swordfish fashioned from layers of lotus root crisps with mashed potato and red wine jus. Clever desserts include a green tea and chestnut parfait with hot chocolate sauce.
Fiona Davies, September 2006
Personal Statement
BONSAI has changed...
We've acted on the feedback we've received from our customers.
The big communal table has been removed. In it's place, there are now more smaller, separate tables, allowing easier contact with your dining companions, and offering greater separation from other patrons in the restaurant.
The effect is a more intimate dining room, more suited to smaller groups.
