Azabu Hospitality Group’s most ambitious project brings robata, omakase, whisky and more to Sussex Street.

A new Japanese precinct has opened in the heart of Sydney, and it’s not playing small. Prefecture 48, by Azabu Hospitality Group, brings six sharply defined venues under one roof at 230 Sussex Street—each drawing from one of Japan’s 47 prefectures, with the 48th being Sydney itself.

On the ground floor, Ibushi delivers smoky robata grilling over open flames with chefs Takashi Yamamoto and Chris Kim at the helm. Next door, Whisky Thief pours rare Japanese whiskies and cocktails in a sleek, low-lit bar built for late nights and quiet flexes.

Garaku, led by Derek Kim (ex-Tetsuya), offers multi-course Kaiseki that leans into precision and restraint. One floor up, FIVE sees Chef Hiroshi Manaka merge Japanese technique with modern European flavours across seasonal menus that play on balance and texture.

Tucked away is an 8-seat omakase experience from Akira Horikawa (Ginza Kyubey alum) and Tomoyuki Matsuya, who bring decades of sushi expertise and a rotation of guest chefs to the counter.

For something sweet, Dear Florence serves high-end patisserie with a personal backstory, led by Executive Pastry Chef Aoife Noonan, who trained in Japan. Expect pastries with sharp detail, served in a room styled more like a gallery than a cafe.

The precinct was designed by Bates Smart, blending the heritage building’s bones with clean lines and contemporary finishes. Art, fashion, food and firepower—all tied together by Azabu’s “Be Maro” philosophy of sincere, considered service.