Mama Saan

One street away from Bondi Beach, Mama Saan has to be one of the coolest locations in this cool and groovy district. It's a vision of Japanese elegance and perfection.

Preened, and oh-so pretty, Mama Saan will elicit an involuntary gasp the second you walk through their doors. Leave beachy Bondi outside for this Zen hideaway. This is where powder pink Sakura blossom creeps up the walls and ceiling, where Japanese lanterns sit in perfect symmetry adjacent to authentic artwork, and where rustic wooden furniture affords the place a cosy warmth that's exceedingly easy on the eye.

When it comes to the food, simply look out for the sumo wrestler! A charming icon that signals Mama Saan's bestsellers, allow this Japanese symbol to lead you to the likes of salmon sashimi tacos, shiso tea kingfish, crispy maple pork belly and kimchi cucumber with sesame mayo. Not afraid of culinary experimentation, Mama Saan's bold approach to cooking certainly delivers the goods.

As for familiar favourites, have your fill of pork or vegetarian gyoza, karaage chicken or cauliflower, and misto-roasted eggplant. If you're on the hunt for a showstopper, nothing attracts envious eyes quite like the chargrilled steak that's served with a house teriyaki jus. You can even design your own bao bun if you feel so inclined! Just remember to save another date for Mama Saan to try the rest of the menu; you're definitely going to want to come back!