LOCATIONOverlooking the waterfront on Eagle Street Pier in the CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIATo many, sushi is something that revolves on conveyer belts in canteens, nothing more than a healthy alternative to a fast food lunch. Saké Restaurant, which recently opened in Brisbane after years of success in Sydney, will ensure diners never think that way again.
The moment you walk to your table, a loud greeting echoes from the kitchen staff — a refreshingly personal touch to such a high-end restaurant. The service throughout is exceptional. Knowledgeable, friendly waitstaff answer questions readily. Meanwhile, sake sommelier Miriam McLachlan is a font of enthusiasm, explaining the craft and subtlety of this exotic beverage to guests.
Much of the sake itself is sourced from the esteemed Kozaemon brewery, and is of the most exceptional standards. And frankly, it needs to be to match the quality of food on offer.
Chef Shinichi Maeda has already made some changes to the Saké menu, and if his succulent ocean trout with sweet-pea purée and Asian mushrooms is anything to go by, long may he continue. The trout is warm and tender, lent an exquisite frisson by the slight astringency of the mushrooms. The more traditional dishes excel too; the tuna sushi tasting plate is an excellent place to start, and not just for the novelty of sushi tacos. All of the tastes are perfectly blended to match each other – the accompanying soy and the sake which Miriam matches to the dishes make for harmonious combinations.
Finish off your evening at the Saké bar overlooking the waterfront, where manager Patrick White will cheerfully guide you through creating a 'sake bomb' — just be wary that you might break a glass in the process! Saké is a refreshing and welcome addition to Brisbane, proving that sushi and sake have a place at the top of the gourmet ladder - a long way from those sushi-train canteens, indeed. Kampai!
Aran Ward Sell
FUNCTIONSSaké is ideal for stylish events and launches, private parties or corporate meetings
and conferences, offering five different private dining rooms including the Kawa (seats 22-24 at a large communal table with sliding screens for privacy); the Washi (seats 12 and with sliding screens for privacy); the three Ita-Mae (each seats 8, divided by slatted wooden walls with views to the kitchen); as well as the traditional Japanese sunken dining area that seats 24. Events and catering can be personalised to suit diners’ specific needs, banquet and set-dining menus range from $60 to $115 per person, and special dining and drinks packages can be designed.