LOCATIONGeorge Street, Haymarket end between Liverpool and Bathurst Streets. Next to Metro Theatre.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe latest addition to Sydney’s growing obsession with Japanese izakayas, Mizuya restaurant, is a true embodiment of this style of dining and, more broadly, of Japan itself. In decor it is funky, new-age and in some ways a little over-the-top. The dining room is fitted out with rows of numbered booths – little rooms each with a flat-screen television on the back wall. A long communal bench runs at the outer edge of the booth checkerboard, also studded with flat screens. The lighting in the room is dim bar the glow of the screens and a couple of electric fuchsia cherry blossoms. It is the kind of kitsch space you either love or hate. My bet is that you’ll love it. In concept, Mizuya combines a karaoke bar with an izakaya – a large space in which you can eat, drink and be entertained.
But before you worry that the screens at your table will start flashing with song subtitles, let me assure you that the karaoke area is separate – and quite private – so nobody except your chosen acquaintance gets to hear you sing. The screens at the tables are, in fact, touch-screen menus, each boasting several categories: “kushiage”, “sushi and sashimi”, “hotpots”, “kushiyaki” and so forth. Each of these is then broken up into further options – from edamame in the “starters” section to marbled steak with ponzu sauce in “a la carte” and green tea creme brulee in “desserts”. The cuisine is flanked by an equally-diverse drinks menu that stretches from non-alcoholic beverages to cocktails, beer, wine and Japanese spirits. And, if the dining experience puts you into an elated state of mind, you can always cross the room for a bit of karaoke action after your meal.
Agnes Gajewska
DETAILSA grand pendant light followed by a water feature mark the entrance to this 1200 sqm entertainment venue located in the heart of Sydney. The owners are keen to attract both eastern and western diners with the unique mix of high tech touch screen menu ordering and over 240 traditional and contemporary Izakaya style Japanese food delicacies. Originally two basement pubs, the Mizuya interior resembles a traditional Japanese garden with the addition of soft earthy finishes, glass tiles, an eye catching Sakura tree, a bamboo forest creating an aura of subtle colour and light. There are intimate dining booths of all sizes to accommodate couples or large groups. The glamorous private rooms deliver true Izakaya style dining with a hint of downtown pop culture combining quality wine and food with Karaoke. Each room has its own video-on-demand Karaoke system with access to around 150,000 songs in five language, English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai. Foxsports and free to air TV are available in each room. The popular Sushi bar located in the centre of the restaurant with its team of busy chefs offers an atmospheric casual dining experience and is ideal for those who just want a quick snack or a simple meal.
FOOD & BEVERAGEIzakaya (traditional Japanese tapas style dining) is very popular in Asia and Japan and has successfully captured the upwardly mobile AB market segments. Mizuya employs 24 professionally trained qualified chefs who work industriously in a streamlined seamless kitchen efficiently creating mouthwatering Izakaya dishes for diners. All food is designed for sharing. A comprehensive wine list and an excellent selection of cocktails, Shochu and Sake are also available. Menu ordering is via a computerised touch screen panel. All orders are sent directly to the kitchen to minimise wait time and staff are available at the press of a button. The menu ordering system is available in 4 languages, English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Mizuya surely serves one of the most extensive menus in Sydney with over 240 traditional and contemporary Japanese delicacies available specialising in Kushiyaki, Kushiage, Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki and Sukiyaki/Shabu-Shabu (Japanese Hot Pot). There are four main themes: Kushiyaki (chargrill skewers), Kushiage (crumbed skewers), Sushi/Sashimi and Teppanyaki.
Food is artfully presented with a modern edge that combines contrasting colours and textures. Kushiyaki dishes arrive on long glossy black platters lined with grilled vegetables and pump chunks of juicy meat, each delicately sewn onto skewers for dainty eating or divvying between friends. Delicately sushi is expertly rolled, holding tight, bright combinations of fresh vegetables and flavoursome meats. Sashimi platters hold a rainbow of ingredients with slivers of soft fish atop pretty arrangements of vegetables. Kushiyaki creations are perfectly crusted making each bite a textural delight. Crunch through the crumb encasing into tender meat pieces instilled with the earthy flavours. The Sukiyaki or Japanese hot pot arrives with a steaming soup whose aromas float from the middle of tables and through the restaurant. A swirl of green tea ice cream sits in a sundae bowl bejewelled with soft, glutenous balls and a swipe of red bean. Such a delightful dessert perfectly finishes a night of culinary fun and colour.
MIZUYA IS OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 11.30 AM TO MIDNIGHT.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY TO 2AM.