Sushi Sei Restaurant Darling Square
By Lisa Nguyen | Published 22 November 2023
Does this spot match the hype?
TL; DR | Summary
Sushi Sei is by Kuon one of the few restaurants in Sydney that accommodates a full walk-in Omakase experience, making it perfect for spontaneous sushi cravings. With limited seating for just eight, it provides an intimate and focused culinary journey. Opting for the Omakase menu is recommended over individual sushi due to its much better value. Note, that there is a minimum spend of $40 per person.
Sushi Sei Sydney Review
@bestspots.com.au A sushi restaurant that allows a full walk-in Omakase experience ⬇️ Sushi Sei is by Kuon is perfect for spontaneous sushi cravings 🤩. With limited seating for just eight, it provides an intimate and focused culinary journey 😊 I recommend opting for the Omakase menu over individual sushi due to its much better value. ⚠️ Also note that there is a minimum spend of $40 per person. Some of the sushi I had included: 🍣 - Coffs Harbour Cuttlefish 🐟 - King Snapper nigiri - Noboguro - Tuna Otoro Nigiri - Ikura Hand Roll 📕 To see the full omakase experience with plenty of photos, visit bestspots.com.au #sushilife #sushiomakase #sushilovers🍣 #omakasesushi #darlingsquare ♬ Midnight Pretenders - Tomoko Aran
Sushi Sei is tucked away in the popular Sydney hotspot of Darling Square. Its convenient location, a short walk from public transport and ample parking options make it a highly accessible dining spot in Sydney's CBD. Compared to other sushi restaurants in the area, Sushi Sei holds its own brand with its unique walk-in Omakase experience and an intimate setting of only 8 seats, offering a personalised sushi experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
The restaurant is particularly noted for its engaging and delicious Omakase menu. However, it's important to note that the price point at Sushi Sei reflects its high-quality offerings, with a minimum spend of $40 per person. While the portions are generous, especially in the variety of fish in the Omakase, the restaurant might not be the best fit for those with specific dietary requirements or preferences outside of traditional sushi offerings.
Personalised Sushi Experience & Service
In this intimate dining experience, each dish will highlight culinary craftsmanship. Chef Aki's personally curated Omakase menu is a journey through the finest offerings of the sea.
It starts with the Chawanmushi, a traditional Japanese egg custard, setting the stage with its delicate silky texture and subtle flavours. Complimented with the miso soup, both add a warm start to the meal, preparing the palate for the sushi to come next.
The sushi experience has been phenomenal. The quality and preparation are an eye-opening journey into the art of sushi. From the moment you sit, you're not just a diner but a guest on an omakase voyage crafted by skilled hands.
The Coffs Harbour Cuttlefish is a perfect example, offering a tender yet firm texture, balancing the subtle sweetness of the seafood.
This is followed by the Scallop Nigiri, with its delicate, buttery texture, contrasts delightfully with the fresh and firmer, yet equally succulent, Scampi Nigiri.
This is closely followed by the King Snapper nigiri in its aburi (lightly torched) and regular forms. It has the perfect amount of charriness, similar to the scampi nigiri. It's not simply rawness after rawness which I think is a great touch.
Moving onto more richness is the Engawa, known for its fattiness, is beautifully balanced in flavour. Then in contrast afterwards, the Noboguro offers a rich and luxurious taste that is hard to forget once you've had it.
Then we have the classic Tuna nigiri series from Akami (standard tuna cut, to chutoro and otoro). The Tuna Otoro Nigiri in particular is a standout, with its rich, deep flavour, but I don't recommend getting it seared. Stick to its pure raw form instead for its delicate fattiness.
To round off the omakase, the ikura roll and sea eel nigiri offer contrasting experiences: the former, a burst of seafood umami flavour, and the latter, delicate sweetness. The ikura hand roll, especially with salmon, sea urchin, and more ikura, is a luxurious explosion of flavours and textures.
The Aksha Fish Nigiri and Ocean Trout Belly continue the parade of exquisite flavours rarely found in sushi restaurants. Both bring their unique textures and tastes to your sushi dining experience.
RECOMMENDED
- Omakase option
Final Words
Sushi Sei in Darling Square offers a unique and memorable dining experience, perfect for anyone seeking high-quality sushi in Sydney. Chef Aki's passion, the restaurant's prime location, and the carefully crafted Omakase menu make it a standout choice. While the price point is a consideration with a minimum spend of $40 per person, the quality and variety of the sushi justify the expense, making Sushi Sei a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts.
Where to find Sushi Sei Darling Square
Address
Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Website
Phone
+61 428 612 324
People Also Liked
People Also Liked
Request An Update
Have a suggestion or an update? Head over to our Restaurant Review page and let us know!