Musashi

LOCATION
Musashi is located on the corner of Campbell and Pitt in Haymarket, Sydney.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
With the atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya, Musashi is a big, bustling restaurant standing its ground among the Chinese and Thai eateries of Haymarket. Bringing the fresh flavours of Japan to the Campbell Street strip, the restaurant has been dishing up bento boxes and ramen aplenty for the past five years. Forming one-fifth of the Masuya Group’s Sydney restaurants, Musashi is Ken Sadamatsu’s more casual dining option. Featuring warm orange and brown hues, with long cylindrical lamps swaying in clusters above diners’ heads, the large dining room floor is cluttered with small wooden tables jostling for position. Take a seat at the counter with a view of the cooking action or sit outside to soak up the action on the street.

Named after a Japanese samurai swordsman, Musashi’s menu slices through all the traditional favourites with ease. Sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki and hotpots fill the tables; or try one of the Musashi specials, such as a 179g Wagyu sirloin steak or barbecue king prawns. Make a selection from the wine list or order a novelty mocktail – a Musashi blue or green tea-shake is sure to bring a bit of colour to the table. Jam-packed with students, office workers and everyone in between for weekday lunches and dinner seven days a week, Musashi’s popularity means bookings are only taken for lunch before 12.15pm and dinner before 6pm.

Lauren Barker, December 2008