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 shio-koji-marinated wagyu with tarragon and seaweed sauce; a silky smoked eel chawanmushi glistening with brown butter and spiked with crispy chicken skin; 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.
Scallop fried rice might feature kani miso, crispy lamb ribs are done with a shiitake soy glaze and green Sichuan crumble, and a dedicated late-night menu is on offer after 10pm on weekends.
Julia Sansone
Meanwhile, the omakase bar showcases the masterful talents of Head Chef Alex Yu, 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.
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.