The touch-screen supported Izakaya has become a more recent addition to the Sydney food scene, with Wagaya and Mizuya both proving popular destinations for both Japanese locals and westerners with Karaoke rooms, booths for almost all guests and a wide and varied selection of food and drinks on hand. Yebisu Izakaya in Regent Place (next to the George Street Cinemas, a section of Sydney which is fast being referred to as “J-Village”) is the latest to enter the Sydney market, bringing the touch-screen style of service to a more casual setting. No karaoke or booths, but in their place one of the widest and most impressive selections of beer, sake and food you’re likely to find in Sydney.
Here are the touch screens in action, with our first order (naturally). The touch screens are refitted iPads which provide a much cleaner image and a more responsive screen than their competition. You’ll notice that the prices are comparable to the existing Izakayas in the area, with most at either the same cost or a dollar or two more. The quality, on the whole, is definitely much higher, however.
First, let’s talk the name. They’ve been named after one of Japan’s finest malt beers, which I was able to try for the first time tonight. If you try one beer while you’re here, this definitely has to be the one. And each bottle is enough for two people. As it was for us, make it the first thing you order on arrival. Although, maybe skip it at lunch. You’d be likely to never leave.
Let’s also talk the set up – with limited space to work with the designers of the restaurant have done well to fit a lot of people into the space, while giving it the atmosphere of Tokyo – bright neon lights at the entrance, and lanterns floating through the space giving it a warm feel, while the sake warms your body further. A perfect combination if you ask me. Sydney-based Giant Designs have fitted out the restaurant – as they have the neighboring eateries in J-Village. In addition to communal tables as pictured, they also have a bar-like environment which may cater well to those dining solo.
As is typical and expected with Izakayas, high quality sake is plentiful and recommended to share! In addition to being available via the touch screen menus, waitresses also walk around offering the drink in 100mL or 300mL portions by cart.
Our first dish was the stewed wagyu tendon. Absolutely stunning meat, sitting with a healthy serving of vegetables and juices, all sizzling of course. The sort of “melt in your mouth” dish that you’ll want to order again. And at $5.80 a serve, there’s little excuse not to.
Next, we were treated to the mix Sashimi Entree, which provides you with three salmon, three kingfish and three tuna pieces, alongside the usual accompaniment of carrot, cucumber and lemon. Though you can order each fish by itself, this is the best way to taste all Sashimi types early in your meal ($15.80). You would be hard pressed to find bad Sashimi in Sydney, but this is certainly among the best.
The Tom Yum Goong Roll is one of this Izakaya’s signature dishes with its Thai-Japanese fushion, brought about as one of their chefs is Thai. I’ve never enjoyed a Thai/Japanese fusion like this before; your typical tempura prawn roll has been empowered with the flavours of Tom Yum and Coriander, a combination that takes this dish to another level. A daring choice, yet an easy highlight of the menu. ($15.80 for 8 pieces).
You might think one would be satisfied already, but alas the beauty of sake + food to share is that one can keep eating long after they would normally be full. It’s science! And a good thing too, because the night was young. Next up was a more standard Japanese dish, the Takoyaki – pastry balls filled with Octopus, and a healthy dose of it too; some restaurants are far more stingy with their serving of the seafood ($7.80).
Judging by the name – the Yebisu Omelette Rice ($14.80) – this dish is one the Izakaya may like to call their signature meal. Rice covered in egg, meat, mayo and chili. It’s one of the more gluttonous servings on the menu, but definitely worth a try! I would recommend it for those looking for a few more filling options to put together a cheaper overall evening!
I don’t think this particular sushi platter was on the menu – though it was a superb cross-section of the menu, showing off the variety and quality of all the sushi on offer – and there is a lot of it!
We couldn’t leave without trying at least one desert. We went for one of the lighter options – the Earl Grey Brulee ($5.80) – another interesting fusion choice on the menu, yet another success. I highly recommend it over the more typical Green Tea options. Although if you leave room, the Tokyo Tower Parfait looks a little ridiculous. I’ll definitely try it one night.
Many thanks to Yebisu Izakaya for inviting us along. We were very well fed (read: spoiled) during out visit and we will be making every effort to come back soon. We didn’t even provide you with everything we got to taste during our evening in the above round up. Not pictured were dishes like the Japanese Omelette – a basic but delicious omelette ($8.80) and the chicken karaage, which was mouth-wateringly good ($8.80).
If you’re attacking the menu well, you’re likely to spend at least $60 between two people here at night on food (plus drinks), though at lunch time the restaurant offers bento boxes and other specials to cater to those in need of a quick business lunch.
Location: Regent Place – 501 George Street, SYDNEY
Contact: (02) 9266 0301
http://www.regentplace.com.au/
Photos by Johnny Au. Words by Larry Heath.
