Zushi Barangaroo is the Japanese restaurant to complete this dining precinct.
Barangaroo- one of Sydney’s most talked about new dining precincts of 2016 appears to have it all. There’s the casual dining, fried chicken fix courtesy of Bell’s Hot Chicken. The gourmet burger thanks to Ume Burger. There’s fine dining at Cirrus, Australian-Chinese fusion at Lotus, speciality vermouth at Banksii and and list goes on. So it was only natural that the conductor of this edible orchestra needed a Japanese restaurant added to the choir. That’s where Zushi Barangaroo comes in to play.
Having opened the original Zushi restaurant in 2005 on Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, owners Serena and Raymond Ang have attracted a loyal customer base. The brother and sister team opened Zushi Surry Hills in 2010. Now, six years later they’ve taken their inner city offering Harbourside along with a slightly tweaked menu. You can still expect modern Japanese dishes with a twist including their delicious sashimi tacos ($20). A generous mound of quality salmon sashimi is layered with avocado and tuna sashimi then topped with a yuzu granita and flying fish roe. Mix it all together, add wasabi as you please and scoop each delicious mouthful up with an Asian crisp.
Japanese food goes particularly well with cocktails and Zushi Barangaroo have a list of specialty creations. For something light and refreshing start with the Harajuku Girl ($17) made with Cazadores blanco tequila, Aperol, watermelon, citrus and sugar. It goes particularly well with the sashimi tacos and nicely balances the popcorn chicken ($18). A Zushi classic, this deep fried chicken is great for sharing and comes with lime and honey mayo. In fact, most of the dishes at Zushi Barangaroo are best shared amongst two people at least. It’s a nice way to try multiple dishes including the wagyu tataki ($20). Thinly sliced pieces of rare wagyu are beautifully presented on the plate and covered with tamari ponzu and garlic chips. The caramelised honey coated Queensland banana prawns ($16) are another popular dish on the menu. Although the flavours are delicious the caramel is quite crunchy and is confusing texturally agains the soft prawn.
For main style dishes you can’t go past the wagyu steak ($35). Grilled medium rare and served with garlic chives, shitake mushrooms, nashi pear and apple soy, it is one of the more expensive dishes on the reasonably priced menu. At $35 it’s a small portion but it’s enough. Couple this with some other share style dishes and the rich meat is a really nice addition to your meal.
Seafood is prominent on the Zushi Barangaroo menu and often pops up on the specials. On this particular evening we tried a thoughtfully presented dish with a prawn, Balmain bug and plump scallop resting on a creamy sauce garnished with crystal ice plant, edible flowers and roe.
Sake, local and international wine and cocktails are all available to whet your whistle over dinner. Being an outdoor venue, Zushi Barangaroo is the kind of place you could go for a long lunch and next minute it’s nighttime and you’re drinking Tokyo Express ($17) cocktails and ready for dinner. Skip dessert and try this variation on the popular espresso martini. Made with 42 Below Vodka, Mr Black, salted caramel and cold drip coffee it’s a great way to finish your meal.
Despite having one of the smallest tenancies on Wulugul Walk, Zushi Barangaroo have capitalised on their space to create what feels like a generous, roomy 106 seater open-plan restaurant. Perhaps it’s the lack of four walls, rather a clear view to the bar from one side, the harbour on the other and neighbouring restaurants on either side. It makes for excellent people watching.
Zushi Barangaroo are catering for all ends of the market with both lunch and dinner services. They also have several take away options including catering for small to large events. The majority of the menu is gluten free, with vegan and vegetarian menus offered upon request. You’ll even find them on UberEATS.
Visit www.zushi.com.au for more information.
New Year’s Eve at Zushi Barangaroo
Zushi Barangaroo are hosting a special New Year’s Eve event featuring a 10 course tasting menu and a glass of French bubbles on arrival. Tickets are $155 per person for the 5pm sitting and $185 per person for the 8.30pm sitting. The 8pm sitting includes access to Barangaroo Reserve ($33 alone). A special children’s menu is available for $70 per child. Enjoy an early dinner and then use your exclusive ticket to access the Barangaroo Reserve and enjoy a view of the iconic 9pm Sydney Harbour fireworks. The 8.30pm sitting will feature the same menu and guests will be able to either view the Darling Harbour fireworks or again access Barangaroo Reserve to take in the main event.
MENU
Fresh Oysters
Chef’s selection of Sushi and Sashimi
Bonito Tataki
Seared Scallops
Alaskan King Crab Tempura
Quail Kara-age
Wagyu Steak
Toothfish Saikyo Miso
Green Tea Dessert
Zushi Barangaroo is located at Wulugul Walk on the waterfront at Barangaroo. Roads closures will be in place however the best way to access the restaurant on the night will be from the corner of Barangaroo Ave and Shelley St. Further information regarding access and public transport will be made available to ticket holders closer to the event.
To make a booking visit https://zushigroup.iwannaticket.com.au/.
Zushi Barangaroo
10/33, Barangaroo Avenue,, Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo NSW
http://zushi.com.au/