If you're anything like us, you have Japanese cuisine on the brain. Whether you've discovered this delicious tipple while munching on maki rolls in your local sushi restaurant or have tasted the fermented rice delicacy on your travels; we know that once you've got the bug there's no going back. Luckily, we have compiled a list of 10 stunning sake bars in Sydney.
Niji
Niji is a top Japanese restaurant in Sydney with plenty of sake on the menu. Make your way inside this hideaway, which boasts dark timber tables and sultry warm lighting, to try out the sushi. Grab yourself a platter made up of assorted tempura, beef bulgogi and California rolls, or a hot plate of grilled salmon teriyaki, before checking out the lip-smacking drinks options.
Expect an easy-going dining experience with your appetisers and mains delivered via the sushi train.
Toko
Surry Hills Toko, is serving up the goods inside the contemporary space. Tuck into spider maki rolls made up of crab and wasabi mayonnaise or scampi nigiri covered in truffle, followed by drinks. Wash it down with a range of beautifully presented and imaginative cocktails, heaps of top-notch sake and exclusive double-distilled Japanese whiskies.
Pair drinks with a plate of melt-in-the-mouth sashimi.
Masuya
Atmosphere is at the heart of Masuya in Sydney CBD, so expect a little added theatrically and sultry lighting. Enter this slick hub, where you'll be met with an impressive five-metre-long sushi counter, designed by architect Robert Toland. After enjoying fresh wagyu beef carpaccio, yuzu ponzu oysters and duck spring rolls, you can explore the monthly special flight boards.
This sake tasting bar is a real winner.
Saké Restaurant & Bar
After a sake course in Sydney? Saké Restaurant & Bar is one of Australia's staple flagships that's located in an elegant split-level heritage building in The Rocks. This beauty touts brightly coloured barrels and an entire wall of stunning artwork, alongside interesting menus. Head inside to guzzle glasses of the good stuff at optimum temperature or sign up for one of the masterclasses to learn cool facts.
This sake in The Rocks menu is sure to impress.
Nomidokoro Indigo
Taking inspiration from drinking dens located down the alleyways of downtown Tokyo, Nomidokoro Indigo is a fabulous sake bar in Darlinghurst. This small venue has 11 counter seats and a semi-private tachinomi (standing bar), that's perfect for those very intimate gatherings. Step inside for a glass of the good stuff or stay to try Hideyuki Kato's awesome menu of Japanese delights.
The sake menu here is pretty epic.
Kaito Sake Bar
In the mood for sultry vibes in Castle Hill? Then check out Kaito Sake Bar. Although the space is chic, decorated with minimalistic artwork and cool bar stools, it's a perfect location for a weeknight treat. Tuck into plates that are great for sharing, such as fresh udon noodles or a steamy hotpot. You can also sip on some of the finest sake in Sydney here, either with your meal or at the bar.
One of the best sake restaurants in Sydney with its gorgeous open space.
Honda Sake Bar
Honda Sake Bar is a hidden gem located at St Leonard’s in Sydney's Lower Northshore. This gorgeous space is adorned with hundreds of bottles, floral displays and Japanese artwork. You can tuck into an extensive selection of over 50 unique sakes in the restaurant, alongside fresh sushi and noodles. Be sure to purchase bottles at the shop, Mino, to enjoy sips from the comfort of your sofa.
Get the perfect snapshot of your glass in the beaut bar.
Kuki Tanuki
Kuki Tanuki knows how to match authentic Japanese dishes with a fresh glass of sake. Located in the heart of Erskineville, just a stone's throw away from Newtown, this spot is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Try out the drinks selection, such as a Miyamizu-No-Hana which has a dry texture yet sweet aroma or a Nebuta Tanrei, which is pleasantly light-bodied and crisp.
Tuck into a delightful range of small plates from sushi to hot noodles.
Nikkei Bar & Restaurant
If you want to know how to drink sake, then look no further than Nikkei Bar & Restaurant. Although not strictly Japanese, Sydneysiders love the Peruvian fusion at this stunning Surry Hills spot. You can order drinks by the glass, or if you're dining with friends, then why not the bottle? To top it off, there's a selection of wines and cocktails too.
Try a glass of Yoshikubo Chokara Junmai Ippin, with a pleasant dry umami flavour.
Rengaya
Sake has never tasted so good in Rengaya's breathtaking restaurant. Going strong since 1993, this North Sydney gem is definitely one to check out. Dine in one of the cool private boots to enjoy an extensive menu fronting fresh meats and seafood. Not your thing? Venture to the bar and be transported to Japan with a fabulous range of traditional sake.
The cosy booths here are inspired by traditional Japanese architecture.
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