Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these spots in Sydney celebrate the depth and complexity of Japan’s iconic rice wine.

Expect a sensory journey with the blend of earthy, herbal nuances and umami perfumed notes in each pour. You will be transported straight to Japan.

Amuro

Occupying a dimly lit corner of Crown Street, Amuro in Darlinghurst is a quiet hub of Japanese culture. Drawing inspiration from the “Midnight Diner”, Amuro invites you to find solace and connection in their small yet charming establishment. Seating up to 20 people, Amuro is an intimate experience where you can share stories and find comfort while sipping on their selection of boutique saké and tasting their ever-changing menu of regional snacks. Every detail feels uniquely catered, from their handwritten menus to their suggested saké pairings. They make the unknown feel deeply personal. They now accept bookings and walk-ins. Find out more here.

ANTE

ANTE on Newtown’s King Street, is where music and exceptional saké mix. Offering a selection of 65 saké from 21 different saké breweries in Japan, ANTE displays a contemporary approach to authenticity and tradition. Their vintage vinyl collection is impressive and a unique detail, which sets them apart from other saké bars. Their delicious seasonal menu is designed to pair perfectly with their saké. Delivering snackable delights such as pickles, fried potato mochi and beef tartare.  As well as more substantial meals to share like their torched bonito and grilled pork neck. They don’t take reservations, inviting you to stubble into their establishment like a traditional late night saké bar in Japan. Find out more here. 

Saké Restaurant & Bar

With locations across Sydney and Melbourne, Saké Restaurant & Bar lives up to its reputation as being a premier source of Japanese fine dining in Australia. Offering an elevated dining experience, with sushi counters and stylish bars, Saké Restaurant & Bar crafts an atmosphere of electricity. Your senses will run wild, as you take in the centuries old aroma of traditional robata grilling. Combining the contemporary with the traditional, you can experience the allure of sitting counter-side while sushi masters craft the delicate and artful approach to Japanese cooking. They offer a Saké Classics and a Saké Hour menu. Designed to help you decide which dishes to pair perfectly with saké. Find out more here.     

Toko

For over 20 years, Toko in Sydney’s CBD has been the forefront of modern Japanese Izakaya dining. If their countless accolades over the years don’t speak to you, perhaps their uniquely ‘less is more’ approach to dining is, with their combination of Australian fresh produce and signature Japanese flavours. Toko’s upscale dining approach is perfect for your next date night, as they offer a menu of dishes catered for sharing, and a list of some of the finest Japanese saké. Find out more here.    

Nomidokoro Indigo 

Don’t let its size fool you, because behind the wooden door is a dining room that’ll transport you to a late night saké bar in Japan. Nomidokoro Indigo, in Darlinghurst, is a quaint and cosy little bar, which feels like it has been plucked straight out of a neighbourhood in Tokyo and placed in the heart of Sydney. It is a 12-seat Izakaya, meaning you’ll need to book well in advance if you’re planning a visit. The space is dominated by the bar which everyone is lined across, creating a unifying dining experience. Inviting you to mingle with strangers sitting next to you. Nomidokoro Indigo offers a wide selection of both fresh seafood and other ippin (fine item) dishes that’ll go down nicely with their saké. Dishes such as their sake steamed baby clams, scallops in soy butter, slow cooked duck breast and their hearty agedashi tofu. Find out more here.