Busshari

Overview

There may be plenty of fish in the sea when it comes to sushi restaurants in Sydney, but few are as simple, honest and authentic as this stalwart in Potts Point.

Dressed in jet black from head to tail, Busshari channels the dark and moody izakayas of Tokyo's late-night dining scene. The best seats in the house are those at the sushi counter where you can look eye-to-fish-eye at a cabinet of shimmery fillets, from tiger-striped salmon to snapper, scallops and a crimson strip of tuna, which is snuggled up against its pearly pink underbelly.

The menu includes sushi rolls, with the colourful pinwheels available in all the west's favourite flavours, including the spider roll and spicy tuna roll for those craving a flavor kick. Crunchy little fried things are also an essential part of a Japanese meal. And at Busshari, they're serving a chook-load of karaage and pork gyoza. Simply add a squirt of lemon and settle in for the night with some beers. For a more compact meal, choose from their large assortment of Bento boxes, including the teriyaki kingfish box and assorted tempura veggie and prawn box.

The drinks list is impressively diverse, with an emphasis on fish-friendly bevvies. There's umeshu, a sweet plum wine, as well as shochu, over 20 sakes, and a fine selection of Japanese whiskies, including cult favourites Hakushu and Yamazaki. Beyond the Asahi and Sapporo, Busshari also offers a matcha green tea beer for the health-conscious boozehound, as well as a malty sweet potato ale from Kawagoe.

Images: Trent van der Jagt