Olé! Brisbane’s favourite Spanish restaurants
08 Feb 2023
08 Feb 2023
There's a lot more to Japanese cuisine than sushi (though there's plenty of that too!)...
And in Brisbane, you can sample everything from the fun of teppanyaki and delicious yakitori to casual izakaya fare and more traditional Japanese dining. The good news is, with the list we’ve assembled, you’ll know exactly where to go and what to eat when you get there!
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After closing for a period, Kabuki Teppanyaki is back! From August 4, diners can again enjoy the authentic flavours of Japan in style. Right in the heart of Brisbane, this popular Japanese restaurant is always a hit. The fast-paced, sizzling, teppanyaki grill is on full display and diners can choose to sit right up close for an exciting display of culinary mastery.
The menu here is just as exciting as the atmosphere. Choose from the full menu selection or opt for the delicious set menu, including kobachi, miso soup, fried rice, vegetables, fresh sliced fruit or green tea ice cream. What’s left to say but oishī (delicious in Japanese)!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Akita set menu ($120 pp)
Yuzu & Co is this hippest spot in town for contemporary Japanese cuisine. Amongst the more traditional choices of gyoza and chicken karaage, chef Kuldeep Singh lets his creativity flow with signature dishes. There’s more than a hint of Mexican influence in dishes including sashimi tacos and the brie cheese tempura, which comes with jalapeno, onion, coriander and an amazing ponzu sauce. If that doesn’t do it for you, go for the oyster tempura, which is exactly as you’d imagine. This is a Japanese diner with a difference that’s well worth experiencing.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Oyster tempura ($15)
It’s a case of Japanese pub experience meets washoku, traditional Japanese food, at Hikari, a perfect Friday night dinner spot. Here groups of friends can relax in contemporary and laid-back surroundings and enjoy what the inventive chefs at this izakaya have dreamed up.
From wagyu karubi, sweet soy sauce drizzled over barbecued short ribs served with cabbage salad, to pork buta belly baos, there’s something here to suit everyone. The menu is extensive with plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options too.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Teneriffe roll ($22)
Bird’s Nest Yakitori Bar
Japanese
Image credit Bird's Nest
If it’s skewers of tasty bits, carefully cooked on a yakitori grill, served with Japanese condiments and an ice cold Asahi you’re after, then Bird’s Nest is the place for you.
There’s an extensive yakitori menu, as you’d expect, featuring everything from chicken and pork belly to zucchini and tomato, but there’s also a fab range of Japanese inspired burgers, rice bowls and stacks of sides, including our favourite crispy fried camembert.
It’s a fun and casual dining experience, but also look out for specials like the $20 katsu curry and beer nights, and lunch specials.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Negima yakitori – chicken thigh with shallot with sweet soy glaze ($5)
Boom Boom Room is nothing if not opulent. The décor in this restaurant is sexy as heck. Think plush sofas, illuminated glass tables… the works! This is the place for a celebration. Alongside all of this chic, chic splendour, diners can also enjoy some equally delectable food.
Choose from sophisticated Japanese fare with a strong emphasis on local ingredients such as kangaroo tataki or the scallop sashimi. There’s also upmarket yakitori – we love the Mooloolaba king prawn with kombu bisque and chilli oil, as well as omakase banquet menus and an excellent sake list. Oh and the cocktails – we’ll have the Southside of Toyko please!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Kangaroo tataki, daikon, mandarin kosho, ponzu and garlic chips ($24)
Yoko offers Brisbane’s diners a chilled-out and fun setting in which to enjoy a Japanese-inspired meal. The wood-clad seating area and booths make for a comfortable and sociable environment with that all-important buzz. Ideal for a casual date, or an evening out with family and friends.
Under the restaurant’s dimmed lights, you can choose from an array of dishes including noodles, meat, seafood, and a great selection of set menus and sweets. We are big fans of the miso-glazed eggplant and spicy pork udon.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Spicy pork udon ($22)
Those looking for somewhere with that extra little bit of class, need not look any further than Hôntô.
This place is sleek and sophisticated. Head Chef Jake Pregnall has created a menu that offers a local interpretation of traditional Japanese cuisine. Whatever you do start with the snacks – the lobster katsu burger is a stand-out – before moving on to charcoal Murray cod with shio koji butter and grilled mushrooms or the tempura pumpkin with wakame salt and fermented chilli mayo.
With so much on offer, from an entire raw menu to tantalising bites to share, Hôntô is the perfect date or celebration spot in Brisbane.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Lobster katsu sando, salted cabbage, dill slaw ($15)
