Kushiyaki Azuma

LOCATION
At the rear of Regent Place, ground floor.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Paintings of globular moons hover above diners’ heads in this dark, ambient dining room, as tots of sake and Japanese grillings are ushered across the floor. Tucked away on the ground level of Regent Place, this hidden haven feels a world away from the traffic chugging along George Street. Chefs busy themselves over steaming pots in the open kitchen as guests fill dark wood tables and booths. A sleek new addition to the Azuma name, Kushiyaki is a bar and grill offshoot of Kimitaka Azuma’s establishment in Chifley Plaza. Led by head chef Kei Takamatsu, Kushiyaki opened in the Sydney CBD in November 2008.

Open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner seven nights, the kitchen offers well-rounded a la carte and set menus sure to fire up the tastebuds. For lunch, sliced Wagyu sirloin comes with sides of rice, miso soup, sushi rolls, and a seared tuna and green salad, while a fresh sushi and sashimi set is aided by the typical accompaniments. Those after a drink and nibble at dinner-time can get the best of both with otsumami – small dishes designed to complement sake, shochu or beer. Alternatively, mix and match a selection of signature kushiyaki (grilled skewers) from the a la carte menu, which range from Wagyu to vegetables to seafood. Those with an appetite are wise to order the set menu, which incorporates the likes of a fabulous seared tuna salad, potato salad, amuse-bouche, kushiyaki, nigiri sushi, Wagyu sirloin and dessert. Japanese beer or sake is an ideal complement; take the chance to indulge in the full Japanese experience. Kushiyaki Azuma also caters to small dining functions with a private 24-seat room hidden behind sliding screens.

Lauren Barker, May 2009