E_deliciou_S

Food can be magical when French and Japanese cuisines and cultures collide. It creates a distinctive flavour profile and takes your dining experience to a whole new destination and level! 

Say bonjour or konnichiwa to the newly opened Tokyo Bistro located at 16 – 30 Bunns St Pyrmont, a French/Japanese restaurant bringing culinary flair and cutting-edge fusion to the Sydney dining scene. At the helm is Head Chef Yoshi-san who has more than 20 years of experience in the French culinary field and had previously worked with Heston Blumenthal in Melbourne. 

Positioned one street back from Darling Harbour, Tokyo Bistro offers a chic setting, accented by a calm green colour, timber flooring, lovely pendant lights and a side glass wall which gives a contrast of illusions against the modern fit-out. An array of popular Japanese and high end alcoholic drinks are on display at the bar area. It’s a warm, relaxed and welcoming space to be in!

I had the opportunity to taste some of the bespoke offerings before the grand opening. The night kicked off with a serving of selected drinks which included Japanese Beer, Wine and Sake to set the party mood. 

Food served for tasting was a mixture of dishes from the Snack, Raw Bar / Roll and Plate / Grill. The first to arrive on our table was a serving of Spinach, blanched and dressed in tofu puree. The Manuka honey lifts the nutty taste of the tofu with a hint of sweetness on the tastebuds along with nut crumbs, a palate cleansing snack.  

Probably the best Hakata Spiced Chicken Karaage I’ve ever tasted! Perfect texture, juicy and tender served with a robust Yuzu yoghurt mayo.

A show stopper! Edamame with smoky shiso salt, served in a plastic pouch. This method allows the soybeans to hold in moisture and flavour.

Thinly slices of elegantly plated up fresh Kingfish Carpaccio served with wasabi cream, ikura and dashi soy sauce. What a sensational dish, I literally omg’d with every bite.

Uramaki rolls (inside-out sushi) are always a crowd favourite in any Japanese restaurant. Raw or cooked fillings are the hero of Maki rolls. Two types of rolls were served, the classic kingfish, salmon, tobiko, cucumber and avocado alongside with soft shell crab, tobiko, avocado and cucumber.

Very fresh bowl of Garden Salad accompanied the snack dishes, dressed with an aromatic and flavourful Wafu vinaigrette (Japanese-style dressing).  

Another all time favourite dish, Pork Gyoza served with Punzo dipping hits all the right spots.

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, the ball shaped Wagyu Truffle croquette  comes with white sesame dip.

Wagyu Beef Shigure was juicy, savoury and mildly sweet! A classic Japanese favourite that goes well with steamed rice. Thinly sliced beef cooked in dashi-based broth, soy sauce and mirin.

Triumph of texture and flavour, the Lamb Saddle with peas, katsuo and lamb jus served with steamed rice is a must order if you love lamb. Meat is so tender, melts in the mouth and the lamb jus gives an excellent flavour and richness to the dish.

Grilled Koji Chicken was moist, smokey and tender! The Koji aka rice malts brings out the natural umami flavours of this dish, it’s remarkable.  Served with salad and yuzu yoghurt. 

Get quackin’ with a tender, pink in the middle and decidedly juicy Duck served with red cabbage and mandarin mayo. The added miso hollandaise peps up this dish. 

The tasting finale dish was the perfectly cooked Salmon with Teriyaki puree, gorgeously blush in the middle and the flakes separate easily. Adding harmony to the dish was kombu and pickled raddish sides. 

Tokyo Bistro is open for lunch offering set meals, main dish plus rice, salad, dashi onion soup and a daily side dish of the day along with a Business Lunch Course. Evenings have a very chilled vibe, a great place to unwind with friends and workmates, the drink menu is extensive and a perfect complement to any of the fusion dishes. It’s definitely worth checking out. Kampai!

Tokyo Bistro 16 – 30 Bunns St Pyrmont NSW 2009 Tel (02) 9518 8852

Opening Hours: Lunch Mon – Fri 11:30 – 15:00 Saturday – 12:00 – 15:00 Dinner: Mon – Wed 18:00 – 21:30 Thu – 18:00 – 22:00 Fri – Sat 17:30 – 22:00 Sun 17:30 – 21:30

Instagram: @tokyobistro_sydney Facebook: Tokyo Bistro

Discover your favourite Sydney Japanese restaurants through Washoku Lovers and enjoy the benefits when you book at their website!

E_deliciou_S dined as guests