LOCATIONSydney CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe grand entrance of the Chifley Plaza – all marble, high ceilings and grand columns – belies the culinary temple of Japanese delights buried deep inside. Past the fashion boutiques and food court you’ll find Azuma; touted as one of the best Japanese restaurants in the country. A curved ramp leads up to sliding doors that reveal ceiling hangings which veil the restaurant’s striking interior. Paintings and pottery are dotted among the tables, showcasing talented Japanese artists and adding flourishes of colour. Take a seat close to the action at the sushi counter, deeper in the restaurant or hire out one of the three private dining rooms available. What began as a small, late-night eatery in Crows Nest has become the Japanese go-to for super-fresh sashimi and sensational sake. Crows Nest’s loss was the CBD’s gain – Azuma has been awarded a SMH Good Food Guide One Chef’s Hat for the past two years, thanks to the deft hand of Japanese chef Kimitaka Azuma.
The omakase degustation menu is an Azuma favourite. With eight courses for lunch and a stomach-stretching 10 courses for dinner, the feast includes seasonal tempura pieces, premium Wagyu sirloin steak and seared tuna. The a la carte menu features Azuma’s famed deep-fried New Zealand flounder fillets and braised vegetables, quality Australian Wagyu beef, and a range of delectable sushi and sashimi. The desserts are artworks in themselves; indulge in the green tea rolled cake or the red bean zenzai with ice-cream and fruit. Azuma offers a number of wines by the bottle or glass, but why not complete the Japanese experience with a sake tasting set or namesake cocktail of sake, limoncello liqueur and lime juice. Azuma pleases city suits with its takeaway menu – delivery to neighbouring offices is even available for those putting in the hard-yards at dinnertime.
Lauren Barker, October 2008
DETAILSAzuma captures the art of Japanese dining; a balance of style and substance with a courteous atmosphere. The comprehensive and accessible menu offers an incredibly wide and varied selection of superb a la carte dishes and the extensive wine list features an exciting range of Australian and international wines. Azuma's bi-lingual service staff are knowledgeable and attentive. Azuma Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar is one of Sydney's most acclaimed destinations for exotic and exceptional sushi, sashimi and a la carte Japanese cuisine.
FOOD & BEVERAGERecommended is the Omakase Desgustation Menu featuring such wonders as Seasonal Whitefish with ponzu sauce and fresh chilli and Seared Tuna with spinach miso vinegar sauce. Sake and Shochu is always on hand to enhance the flavours of these gastronomic delicacies. Master Japanese Chef, Kimitake Azuma, has established a reputation over 8 years for distinctive and inventive culinary creations and his restaurant is frequented by chefs and celebrities who go for the high-quality fresh sushi, sashimi and authentic Japanese cuisine on offer. Shabu-Shabu is delightful and distinctive fare not commonly found in Australia. The ingredients of this authentic Japanese dish are delicately sliced premium Wagyu Beef, vegetables and your own hot pot of boiling water. The Wagyu Beef is rich in protein and essential omega 3-like amono-saturated fatty acids.
