TL; DR | Summary
Nestled in The Rocks, Sake offers an immersive experience from the moment you step in with its ambience and layout across the restaurant. With versatile seating options, Sake is ideal for date nights, business meetings or big gatherings. Their traditional Japanese-inspired décor makes it a must-visit to absorb the atmosphere as you dine in. Then, a plethora of fresh nigiri options awaits, with unique maki sushi rolls deserving special attention. While the food dazzles, be cautious of unmentioned service fees.
Sake Restaurant & Bar Review
@bestspots.com.au Sake offers an immersive experience.. ⬇️ From the moment you step in with its ambience and layout across the restaurant. With versatile seating options 😄, Sake is ideal for date nights 💑, business meetings 💼 or big gatherings. Their traditional Japanese-inspired 🇯🇵 décor makes it a must-visit to absorb the atmosphere as you dine in. Then, a plethora of fresh nigiri options awaits, with unique maki sushi rolls 🍣 deserving special attention. While the food dazzles, be cautious of unmentioned service fees 😅. Sake's sushi menu, in particular, is expansive, providing a series of fresh and luxurious nigiri options 🤤. The unique combinations in their maki rolls introduce an element of surprise 🤩, with each bite revealing a new layer of complexity. It may not always pack that wow factor, but it consistently delivers a refined and balanced taste that showcases the expertise behind each creation 👌. For the purists, the salmon toro slices 🐟 are a sheer delight, with the freshness of the fish playing a crucial role in its taste profile, balanced with a perfect bite of sushi rice 🍚. You can expect to dive into the rich, melt-in-the-mouth experience that salmon enthusiasts like myself cherish 💯. 📕 For the full run-down, head to bestspots.com.au #sydneysushi #sushiinsydney #sakerestaurant #bestsushisydney #sydneyfoodblog ♬ So Cute - Audiosphere
Sake provides an inviting allure that's hard to resist. One step inside reveals an expansive setup echoing both the elegance of modern design and the nuances of Japanese artistry. From bar seating, where you can watch sushi chefs masterfully craft each piece, to private rooms fit for intimate gatherings, date nights or business meetings, there's literally a spot designed for every occasion.
Getting to Sake is relatively easy as you can travel from Circular Quay via train, bus or light rail, and you can simply walk your way from George Street. Expect to pay a hefty dollar as you'd be tempted to try from their vast menu options, whether that's their set menu, sushi bar, sushi rolls, cold starters, hot starters or their mains such as binchoyaki duck breast. Sushi prices start at $12 for 2 pieces of nigiri, and mains range from about $25 to $165, so it is on the high pricing end compared to other sushi restaurants.
High End Japanese & First Class Service
Sake's sushi menu, in particular, is expansive, providing a series of fresh and luxurious nigiri options. The unique combinations in their maki rolls introduce an element of surprise, with each bite revealing a new layer of complexity. It may not always pack that wow factor, but it consistently delivers a refined and balanced taste that showcases the expertise behind each creation.
A notable feature of their offering is the inclusive approach they take towards diverse dietary requirements. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, Sake ensures that your needs aren't just met but celebrated. The menu is meticulously organised with clear labelling and colour-coded indicators, making it easy for first-time visitors to navigate their dietary preferences without confusion.
However, it's the service that adds the finishing touch. Led by Head Chef Sunil, the staff at Sake exhibits professionalism with a personal touch. Attentive without being intrusive, they ensure that your culinary journey is smooth.
Though, a word of caution as there are service fees that will automatically be added on top of your bill - a detail I discovered only upon inspecting the receipt. While this is a common practice in many upscale restaurants, prior notice or indication would be appreciated by many diners to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Salmon Belly Shake Toro
For the purists, the salmon toro slices are a sheer delight, with the freshness of the fish playing a crucial role in its taste profile, balanced with a perfect bite of sushi rice. You can expect to dive into the rich, melt-in-the-mouth experience that salmon enthusiasts like myself cherish.
"Shake Toro" refers to the fatty belly portion of the salmon. The Salmon Belly is often considered one of the most prized parts of the fish because of its soft, buttery texture and deep flavour.
Tuna Akami
If you're after a leaner classic cut, then Tuna Akami is perfect for those not opting for fatty options or for avid tuna lovers who appreciate its flavour. Its taste is subtly sweet and is an excellent introduction to tuna sushi for those who might find the more decadent, fattier cuts too overwhelming.
"Akami" is the leaner part of the tuna, usually coming from the top or back of the fish. It's characterised by its deep red colour and a firmer texture compared to the fattier parts of the tuna.
Eel Anago
This is a favourite choice for those who enjoy a delicate balance of sweet and savoury in their sushi. Though rich in flavour, I've personally had traces of bones, so it may not be favourable to some who don't enjoy small bones (while edible).
"Anago" refers to the saltwater eel, often contrasted with "Unagi", the freshwater eel. Anago has a naturally sweet flavour and a tender texture. This sweetness is complemented by a tender texture, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience that contrasts the firmer texture of Unagi. While both eels have their place in the world of sushi, Anago's delicate flavour profile makes it a unique treat for those keen on exploring the nuances of different sushi offerings.
Scallop Hotate
At sushi establishments like Sake in The Rocks, one can expect scallops of the highest calibre with a lusciously sweet and tender bite. If rawness doesn't bother you, I recommend opting for scallops as they subtly sing of the ocean. It's a gentle yet memorable palate experience.
"Hotate" is the Japanese term for scallops, and for those comfortable with the allure of raw seafood, diving into this nigiri is a no-brainer.
S Express sushi roll
The S Express Maki Roll is a masterpiece that stands out for its intricate blend of flavours and textures. This dish is a perfect representation of creativity and skill, bringing together a diverse range of ingredients to create something truly unique and delightful.
At the heart of this roll are the tempura scallops, which provide a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness that is complemented by the creamy and slightly spicy jalapeño mayonnaise. The addition of fresh cucumber adds a refreshing crispness to each bite, balancing the richness of the other components.
The roll is further elevated by the inclusion of seared salmon. Then drizzled with the unagi sauce over the top adds a final touch of sweetness and depth, tying all the elements together.
Only flipside is that I wasn't a fan of the red renkon crisps as it was lacking in crunch and felt a bit stale. Although it adds a nice decorative touch for its overall presentation. It's still a dish I'd order again.
RECOMMENDED
- Sake signature sushi rolls
- Salmon toro nigiri
- Kingfish Hamachi nigiri
- Scallop Hotate nigiri
- Tuna Akemi, if lean cuts are part of your palette
Final Words
Sake in The Rocks, with its rich ambience and an even richer menu, stands tall in Sydney's culinary skyline. It's not just a meal but an experience, a story in flavours and textures. From the freshest cuts of fish to the creative flair exhibited in their signature rolls, it's evident that every detail is treated with reverence. The interiors, echoing traditional Japanese influences, together with the expansive seating arrangements, ensure that whether it's an intimate date night or a corporate meeting, the ambience is just right with their wide range of seating options that cater to many kinds of guests.
Where To Find Sake Sydney
Address
Please note that this review is for Sake at The Rocks. Sake also has restaurants Double Bay and Manly Wharf.
Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Website
Phone
+61 2 9259 5656
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