IZZY Restaurant & Bar - CLOSED

Overview

Izzy is a new Herne Bay fusion restaurant that brings together the flavours of Japan, Vietnam and Latin America. Located along the busy city-fringe Jervois Road strip, this intriguing culture clash eatery was born in an effort to showcase fresh and inventive recipes. Ever heard of purple octopus infused in sake brine? Matcha ice cream dango balls? Yuzu miso eggplant with avocado hummus? How about a wagyu meatball bahn mi on a pretzel baguette?

At Izzy, there are a few tables outside which allow diners to make the most of the summer breeze. Alternatively, the spacious interior is suitable for both groups and large families. On this occasion, we picked a table by the window and were welcomed as soon as we sat down.

The menu is full of surprises. There's an array of both small and large plates to choose from as well as additional sides. We decided to start with the crab taquitos ($14), roti doughnuts ($13) and polenta chips ($10). The taquitos take their lead from the rolled Mexican street snack, though in this case, appear more like a combination of mini hard shell taco and wonton. The crab meat is enhanced with zesty and super punchy tamarind sauce. Another slice of fusion comes as Izzy turns the roti into a doughnut. The savoury dish is slightly larger than what you'd get at the likes of Krispy Kreme, made with roti bread and topped with either fried eggplant or tofu. The polenta chips are well baked, with an extra kick from sweet chilli sauce.

From the larger plates we opted for the confit duck crepes ($17) as well as the spiced lamb rump with coconut yoghurt ($30), just one of the signature dishes at Izzy. The duck crepes resemble fresh Vietnamese summer rolls, except that the fillings come wrapped in a more dough-heavy crepe instead of rice rolls. The spiced lamb rump was a highlight; each slice of lamb was cooked to medium-rare perfection, while the coconut yoghurt and lemongrass jus introduced an odd flavour punch that seemed to bring out the best of the lamb.

Head to Izzy for a solid fusion experience with a creative twist.

Image: Izzy.