Tokyo Bird

Tucked away in Surry Hills, Tokyo Bird is a Japanese whisky bar with a chic, intimate feel. Its sophisticated setting is made for lingering over Japanese spirits and signature cocktails while dipping into modern izakaya cooking. Bringing a pulse of Tokyo to Sydney’s cool, laid-back mood, it feels both focused and fun.

Smoke and savour define the food. Yakitori leads the way with negima, juicy chicken thigh and shallot lacquered in soy tare, and tebasaki, wings with a lick of shichimi heat. From the kushiyaki come indulgent wagyu skewers and hotate glossed with soy onion butter. Even the vegetables shine: eringi with a savoury soy-based tare and nasu lifted by bright yuzu miso.

Between sips, graze on edamame or lotus root chips with chilli kewpie, then lean into ebi tempura with nori tartar and pickled cabbage. Comfort comes via gyoza and crab croquettes with yuzu mayonnaise and aosa nori, while lighter plates include soy-cured tuna tartare or salmon tostadas with umeboshi ponzu. Finish with hojicha cheesecake, matcha tuile and raspberry compote, or a chocolate fudge mousse with orange gel, almond crumble and rose. Book a seat, bring your curiosity, and let the night take a Tokyo turn.