Are you tired of going to the same place for your Date Night or simply looking for new options? There’s always something or somewhere new in Sydney to try, so why not give one of these three locations a try… you won’t be disappointed!
First up, Japanese Izakaya, Itō, has opened on Crown Street in Surry Hills. Offering a dining space for 85 guests, and 25 alfresco seats, this cutting-edge Izakaya is breathing new life into the space that was the much-loved Cuckoo Callay.
Itō Head Chef, Erik Ortolani reimagines a Japanese Izakaya with unique dishes such as yellowfin tuna, served on bonito bread with shaved bottarga or Wagyu mafaldine paired with white shimeji and miso. Sharing a meal at Itō should spark conversation and laughter and the desire to come back for more.
“I’ve always been passionate about Japanese food, it wasn’t until I moved to Australia that I started to explore the art of Japanese flavours and techniques (prior to ESCA Group, he ran the kitchen at Cho Cho San as a head chef for 5 years and Nobu). Whilst my heritage is Italian, my passion is Japanese cooking. It feels natural to me to use a combination of the two as a vehicle for creating a really unique menu that is still very signature Japanese, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with Itō. Fresh seasonal produce, smart cooking, bright flavours.” Head Chef at Itō, Erik Ortolani.
In Kanji, izakaya directly translates to ‘stay-drink-place’ and that is the vibe emanating from Itō. Peppered across Japan, these informal after-work bars provide a haven for the social and the hungry. Itō aims to emulate this tradition, as a place to sip sake and snack on delicious kingfish while overlooking Sydney’s Crown Street. Equal parts comfortable and classy, Itō is an experience, rather than a restaurant.
Experience Itō, Surry Hill’s new Japanese Izakaya courtesy of ESCA Group now! Head to www.itorestaurant.com to learn more and make a reservation today.
Heritage Precinct has proudly unveiled its latest Japanese culinary venture, Oribu. The 120-seat venue – the first of its kind in Parramatta – is nestled in the heart of Church Street. Oribu beckons guests to embark on a culinary experience, meticulously crafted by the Head Chef Harry Cho.
Bringing over two decades of expertise, including a tenure at the world’s most prestigious Japanese restaurant, Nobu, Chef Cho combines his mastery with a unique background steeped in military discipline. Together, these elements create a dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation and precision. Chef Cho’s talent for transforming fresh ingredients into culinary masterpieces conducts a symphony of fresh flavours. With cooking skills honed from his Korean father and Japanese mother, his distinctive approach weaves fusion and creativity into every dish, which is illustrated through the innovative popcorn prawns with creamy spicy sauce and yuzu juice.
Oribu’s Chef’s Tasting Menu ($150pp), features delights such as hiramasa kingfish carpaccio carved with military precision, a selection of the finest, freshest sashimi, yuzu guacamole paired with crispy lotus chips and yukari salt, succulent grain-fed tenderloin brochettes and a choice of side dish per person. The meal culminates in a divine yuzu sorbet, accompanied by coconut cream, fresh berries and a hint of vanilla fairy floss; a menu perfectly encapsulating Chef Cho’s passion.
For the ultimate seafood aficionado, the impressive Omakase Platter ($250) presents a lavish seafood platter boasting the freshest salmon, tuna, kingfish, scallops, scampi, oysters, surf clams, cooked tiger prawns and a tantalising seafood ceviche. It offers an awe-inspiring Japanese seafood encounter crafted for a showstopping, shared dining experience.
Oribu invites food enthusiasts to savour Japanese cuisine at its finest. Book your seat at the table to taste Chef Harry Cho’s signature menu. Visit https://heritagelounge.com.au/oribu/ for more information and to make a reservation today.
Finally AALIA concludes their esteemed Chef Series for 2023 with a grand finale featuring renowned French-Lebanese Michelin-starred chef, Alan Geaam as their final guest. Joining forces with AALIA’s Executive Chef, Paul Farag, AALIA invites guests to experience Middle Eastern food in a completely unique and exciting way.
The only Lebanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Paris, Alan Geeam is renowned for his Lebanese heritage dishes in a sophisticated French style. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and a passion for pushing culinary boundaries, Alan brings his unique blend to the heart of Sydney for an incredible dining experience.
The collaboration between the talented duo marks the bittersweet farewell of AALIA’s 2023 Chef Series. This exclusive event will take place over two nights, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th of October.
Promising a blend of flavourful techniques, the menu features an array of dishes such as hummus cornet with trout roe and nuts and lobster with freekeh and arak. For dessert, guests are invited to indulge in a sweet brik pastry baklava with cashew ice cream and preserved quince, and a Mouhalabia lollipop.
“This will be the first time we embark on emulating the ‘Alan Geaam dining experience’ anywhere else in the world. I am so excited to delve into Sydney’s fresh and local ingredients to bring a creative, beautiful, and delicious menu to life with chef paul and his team. I am beyond excited to give Australian diners the best possible experience” – says Michelin-star Chef, Alan Geaam.
“At AALIA we’re dedicated to pushing boundaries, that’s why our chef series has been some of our most successful and much-loved evenings for our guests. I’m so excited to be collaborating with Alan, and create an exceptional menu that introduces a new perspective on Middle Eastern cuisine” – says AALIA Executive Chef, Paul Farag.
To complement the menu, Head Sommelier Eleonore Wulf has curated two wine pairings and one non-alcoholic pairing for the evenings. This selection will showcase a range of Lebanese varietals, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience.
With limited seats available, don’t miss the opportunity to join AALIA for an unforgettable evening with Alan Geaam, tickets priced at $220 per person. Visit www.aaliarestaurant.com/alan-geaam to read more and make a reservation today, bookings are now available.