Japanese finesse has been added to the repertoire of Sydney’s newest dining precinct.
When you craving fresh nigiri, umami-rich flavours like miso or hibachi grilled meats, we highly recommend a visit to Kazan Dining. Located inside the brand new 25 Martin Place dining precinct alongside a stellar lineup of restaurants including Botswana Butchery, AALIA and L’uva Pasta & Wine Bar, Kazan Dining adds modern Japanese cuisine to the repertoire.
The restaurant itself has a dark and mysterious feel. There are touches of marble, wood and copper hues throughout with an open-style kitchen bench hugging the dining room so you can watch the chefs at work. The roof is the focal point boasting a traditional Japanese woodworking technique called Kumiko. Get lost in the geometric patterns above and enjoy the aromas moving through the restaurant as the food is cooked close by.
If you have been to Inka, Canberra’s adored Japanese Nikkei-style restaurant you may see similarities between the two. This is because the owner brings the same passion for Japanese cuisine, culinary precision, a sense of mystery and a few menu items to Kazan Dining. Word on the street is they are looking to bring Inka to Sydney – stay tuned!
Chef Shinya Nakano is at the helm of the kitchen bringing his experience from Nobu and Kisume in Melbourne. The Kyoto-trained sushi chef has been given full rein to create a modern interpretation of classical Japanese cuisine across the menu. He combines authentic cooking techniques, premium ingredients and exquisite presentation.
Begin your journey with a selection of starters that are small, designed to excite your palate and share. Our highlights were the Hiramasa Kingfish done sashimi-style with yuzu, lime soy and grapes, Wagyu Tataki with passionfruit ponzu, celery, daikon and leek, the Crispy Tacos which you can order with either wagyu or confit salmon, and the Nasu Dengaku which is an addictive miso eggplant dish featuring green chilli and mixed nuts.
Next, you will progress to the sushi interlude of your meal where you can choose between fresh sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls. The menu features everything from Blue Fin Tuna and Aburi Salmon Belly to Red Emperor and Hokkaido Scallop. We suggest ordering the Kazan Signature Selection which allows you to try 6 or 9 pieces of their most popular nigiri on a beautifully presented board, just like in Japan.
We also loved the Robata section of the menu which is made up of dishes that have been kissed by fire and smoke on the traditional Japanese grill. We highly recommend the Black Angus with French Foie Gras and honey garlic soy or go all out with the Wagyu Scotch Fillet with tomato miso, daikon ponzu and sansho pepper.
You will see Inka’s famous Fondant makes an appearance on the dessert menu, but it has a Kazan twist with warm chocolate, coffee ice cream, miso caramel and chocolate soil. If you are after a palate cleanser after your rich meal, we suggest the Yuzu Pavolva with raspberry and yuzu curd, hazelnut crunch and meringue.
Kazan Dining is open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch from 12pm and Tuesday – Saturday for dinner from 5:30pm. Book your table here.