Overview
In a two-level subterranean space beneath sibling Yugen Tea Bar, sits the luxurious Japanese restaurant Yugen Dining. It's a multi-faceted drinking and dining destination with a dramatic aesthetic and an impressive commitment to detail.
Downstairs is home to a lofty, open restaurant space and adjacent bar area with soaring ceilings and a majestic chandelier by artist Jennifer Conroy Smith cascading from one corner.
Gareth Sobey
Meanwhile, the mezzanine above plays host to Yugen's six-seat omakase bar and a series of private dining rooms — including the eight-person Golden Orb that's suspended in mid-air. The striking fit-out by Architects EAT draws inspiration from the five elements according to Japanese culture: earth (chi), water (sui), fire (ka), wind (fu) and void (ku).
Culinary Director of Yugen Dining Stephen Nairn heads the creatively-charged a la carte food offering, paying equal respect to the traditional and the contemporary.
Julia Sansone
Highlights include the likes of wagyu tataki with Davidson's plum with bonito and quail egg; a wood-grilled John Dory with anchovy sambal and brown butter; and a memorable take on the humble prawn toast featuring Chinese doughnut and a sweet-meets-sour chilli amazu. A stellar sushi and sashimi situation also awaits.
Southern Rock lobster fried rice features miso, garlic and corn, slow-roasted wagyu beef cheeks are served with wakame mustard and mushroom, and a dedicated late-night menu is on offer after 10pm on weekends.
Julia Sansone
Meanwhile, the omakase bar showcases the masterful talents of Yugen's sushi chefs across an experiential dining adventure with a beverage pairing also available. It's a study in sharp technique and top-notch produce that promises plenty of 'wow' moments.
Speaking of 'wow', Yugen's premium sashimi platter is the ultimate dish to splash cash on for your next celebration. The luxe platter features everything from otoro to Paradise prawns, snapper to kingfish and scallops to salmon roe.
Sushi Chef, Samuel Chee, says, "The sashimi platters at Yugen are made to highlight only the very best seafood. Bringing together in perfect balance only the highest quality seafood paired with the exceptional knife skills of our sushi chefs. It's a simple combination, but these two elements are what truly set a sashimi experience apart."
A vast, yet considered array of quality sips beckons from the drinks list at Yugen Dining as well, with a strong spread of sake and wines to round out the fun.
Marcel Aucar
Images: Gareth Sobey, Marcel Aucar, Julia Sansone and Sam Davis.
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