Toko Japanese Restaurant Sydney
By Lisa Nguyen | Published 12 November 2023
Does this spot match the hype?
TL; DR | Summary
Toko Restaurant seamlessly marries the art of sushi and the flair of robata grilling, delivering an experience that caters to diners with a desire for different types of Japanese cuisine. I highly recommend trying their maki rolls, which come with unexpected pairings that sing on the palate. Then, with swift service and an ambience that blends dim lighting with a spacious wooden interior, you're guaranteed a memorable dining experience.
Toko Review
@bestspots.com.au Toko seamlessly marries the art of sushi and the flair of robata grilling ⬇️ Upon stepping into Toko, diners are greeted with a vast and dimly lit space that immediately sets the tone for an intimate dining experience 😌. The thoughtful arrangement of the area, from the seating to the strategic layout of tables and the visible cooking stations, is pleasing to the eyes 🤩. This restaurant delivers an experience that caters to diners with a desire for different types of Japanese cuisine 🇯🇵. I highly recommend trying their maki rolls, which come with unexpected pairings that sing on the palate 🎵. As you're presented with the Toko restaurant menu, you'll get to pick from the following 3 menus at varying price ranges: - Kitchen menu such as karaage chicken 🍗, wagyu gyoza 🥟, softshell crab 🦀 and beef tataki 🥩 - Sushi menu such as scampi nigiri 🍣, sashimi omakase, spicy tuna maki and California maki - Robata grill menu such as grilled scallops, smoked king salmon, pork belly 🐖 and wagyu striploin Each dish, whether the intricately assembled maki rolls or the robustly seasoned meats from the grill, tells a story of innovation that seamlessly blends with its Japanese roots. ✅ To see more about these dishes, go to bestspots.com.au #sushilovers #sydneysushi #bestrestaurantsydney #sydneyfoodieblog #sydneyeatsgoodfood ♬ In the Bosom - Sweet After Tears
Upon stepping into Toko, located adjacent to Wynyard station on the bustling George Street, diners are greeted with a vast and dimly lit space that immediately sets the tone for an intimate dining experience. The thoughtful arrangement of the area, from the intimate seating to the strategic layout of tables and the visible cooking stations, is pleasing to the eyes.
At the kitchen end, one side is dedicated to the sushi station, with the other dedicated to the robata grill. Here, you have complete visibility of watching the chefs craft their dishes with precision and flair.
Then, as you're presented with the Toko restaurant menu, you'll get to pick from the following 3 menus at varying price ranges:
- Kitchen menu such as karaage chicken, wagyu gyoza, softshell crab and beef tataki
- Sushi menu such as scampi nigiri, sashimi omakase, spicy tuna maki and California maki
- Robata grill menu such as grilled scallops, smoked king salmon, pork belly and wagyu striploin
Japanese Dining That's A Work Of Art
With so many tempting choices spanning three distinct culinary arenas, the decision-making process is delightfully tricky. To truly appreciate the extensiveness of their offerings, I can attest that every dish was a work of art in its own right. The seared salmon maki was a revelation, with its squid ink tenkasu coating adding a unique texture and savouriness.
As for their nigiri, the sushi rice is intriguingly seasoned with a brown coating, likely yuzu vinegar, adding a savoury note that harmonises beautifully with the freshness of salmon and tuna.
But beyond sushi, their robata grill presents a tempting array of options, from succulent lamb cutlets to sumptuous wagyu striploin, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable feast. A standout was the grilled scallops, elevated by the bright notes of pickled apple and the gentle heat of jalapeño, creating a beautifully balanced bite.
On a lesser note, the beef tataki fell short as its texture and flavour profile did not quite hit the mark.
RECOMMENDED
- Grilled scallops
- Seared salmon maki
- Any maki that sounds good to you
- Trying their dessert menu
- Trying from each of the 3 main menus
Final Words
A visit to Toko is complete with experiencing the dual culinary theatres: the sushi station and the robata grill. The restaurant's setup is carefully orchestrated to showcase these two contrasting yet complementary food arts, setting up a mood that's great for business and intimate gatherings. Each dish, whether the intricately assembled maki rolls or the robustly seasoned meats from the grill, tells a story of innovation that seamlessly blends with its Japanese roots.
Where to find Toko Sydney
Address
Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Website
Phone
+61 2 9357 6100
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