Nestled in the heart of Bankstown, Tokyo Samba is a dining experience that delights the senses and surprises the palate. The restaurant is a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, offering a vibrant culinary adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
Not just a fusion restaurant, it’s also alcohol free and completely Halal.
Upon entering Tokyo Samba, the first thing that strikes you is the lively and eclectic ambiance. The interior is a playful mix of traditional Japanese elements and Brazilian colour interpreted into highly stylish finishes.
It’s a place where you immediately feel the energy and excitement of two cultures merging into one.
The menu at Tokyo Samba is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its chefs. It features an array of dishes that blend the delicate, precise flavours of Japanese cuisine with the bold, robust tastes of Brazilian fare.
We started with the oysters, white grape, chive and chili ponzu ($21/3pcs $35/6pcs). Excellent produce with a delicate hand of flavour.
We followed the crispy rice, tuna tartare, Salsa Verde, jalapeno ($18/3pcs) from the snack menu. The crunch, the slight spice, coupled with the silky tuna tartare make for heavenly perfection. The attention to detail is exquisite, and shines in every bite.
In another mouthful of luxury the miso marinated Glacier 51 Toothfish, butter lettuce cup ($24/3pcs). Creamy Glacier 51 Toothfish, set against the crunch of the lettuce cup with the sweet salt balance of miso is both an indulgent and magnificent creation.
For more traditional Japanese fare, the seared salmon belly, aged soy relish, shichimi, tosazu ($14) again the quality of the produce, attention to perfection and presentation really shines through.
Japanese is often excellent, but when prepared with care by seasoned professionals, it’s exceptional and Tokyo Samba is just that.
Bringing the Brazilian to life is the 500g Riverine 100 day grain fed – Ribeye MB2+ ($64). Medium rare and bursting with flavour, alongside roasted eggplant and potato. We also enjoyed the Brussel sprouts -with a kimchi vinaigrette, yuzu honey ($15). A wonderful twist on something so classically British. Mouth-watering and velvety, the steak marries wonderfully with the char of the sprouts.
For dessert we shared (stupidly) the grilled pineapple, yuzu citrus curd, tapioca sago, ($18) coconut milk foam, mango ice cream. Light, sweet and palette cleansing a perfect end to what may be my year’s most perfect meal.
We also had some wonderful non-alcoholic cocktails, that were designed to taste like alcohol, without the unnecessary bits. The Verjus Spritz ($14) in particular, white verjus, elderflower, lemon, soda – tastes like a prosecco and the Shisho Spritz ($14) green shisho, peach, tonic, fresh and zesty, tastes like a great negroni. The alcohol free was a wonderful option, mostly because we drove, but also ensures there are no distractions from flavour, and the company.
Tokyo Samba is a must-visit. Perhaps out of the way for some, but too exquisite to miss.
Tokyo Samba
2a West Terrace, Bankstown NSW 2200
Tuesday – Sunday 12-2.30pm 5-9pm
Suggest new hours
