Gone are the days when the local sushi train was a no frills affair. Forget the uncomfortable stools and plastic plates, you go to Niji Restaurant & Bar for more than just a California roll.
In another breath of fresh air for Double Bay, Niji Restaurant has opened just up the street from Mrs Sippys but is a world away from any preppy polo club.
The mood lighting is dark and the furniture is sleek. This is Japanese minimalism to a tee.
At the sushi bar down the back, order your fresh sushi made to order or let the chefs have some fun. There’s degustation menus, plenty of tempura, robata and sake matching. Traditional Japanese Izakaya dishes have been infused with local ingredients. Think wagyu tartare and cured salmon.
It’s not all serious business – the cocktails already have a stellar reputation, thanks to Niji’s older brother, Niji Sushi Bar in Kingsford. Try Zubasa Miss a Shot, with green tea sorbet and sparkling sorbet, or Unaccomplished, a gin and chocolate aperitif.
The Kingsford restaurant made the news last year for its popular sushi eating contest – we hear the winner has already been to the new Double Bay premises. Anyone who can eat 50 pieces of sushi in 10 minutes and still wants to eat it again, is someone we can trust.
Niji Restaurant & Bar
21 Bay Street Double Bay
