It’s been a while since we’ve been back to Yebisu Izakaya, but it is still going strong in Regent Place, with its distinctive graffiti decor, signature sake trolley (complete with bell) and buzzy vibe.
This time around, for our dinner we stuck to the classics off their extensive menu (efficient ordering available through the iPads on each table) and were rewarded with a satisfying meal which hit all the key types of Japanese dishes.
We started off with some Aburi Salmon and Aburi Scallop with Mentai Sushi, the smokiness of the lightly seared seafood matched with some creamy mayo and topped off with fish roe.
Aburi Salmon, $5.80
Aburi Scallop & Mentai, $6.80
From the yakitori and grilled section of their menu, we chose their Shiitake Mushrooms and Scallop Miso Mayo, both of which hit the spot. The skewers of grilled shiitake mushrooms were super juicy (paired with curry salt and sauce) and the succulent scallops were smothered in a blended sweet miso and creamy mayo sauce, presented on pretty half shells.
Shiitake Mushrooms, $3.80
Scallop Miso Mayo, $13.80
Our last shared small plate was the Soft Shell Crab Karaage which mixes two of my favourite things – soft shell crab with addictive fried karaage batter. These crunchy morsels were made even more tasty with the creamy tartare-like sauce the dish was served with.
Soft Shell Crab Karaage, $14.80
After all of the interesting flavours of our starters, we decided to round off our mains with a shared Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki Hotpot with an extra side of springy ramen noodles of course. The sweet, yet savoury taste of the sukiyaki soup base went nicely with the wagyu beef slices which cooked slowly as we enjoyed our starters, making it a great winter dish.
Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki Hotpot, $34.80 (extra Ramen for $6.80)
I am a sucker for mochi ice cream from Japanese supermarkets, so I couldn’t go past the Green Tea Daifuku Ice Cream which is the restaurant version of this Japanese dessert. The chewy glutinous rice cake exterior contrasts with the soft green tea ice cream filling and with the sweet red beans on the side, it was the perfect way to finish off our dinner.
Green Tea Daifuku Ice Cream with Sweet Red Beans, $5.80
The bustling vibe of Yebisu Izakaya and the extensive menu makes it a good spot for group catch ups, with something for everyone and atmosphere that transports you to the land of the rising sun.
Excuse Me Waiter dined as guests of Yebisu Izakaya
Yebisu Izakaya
7-10/501 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9266 0301
