Hidden away near the Kings Cross Coke sign on Kirketon Road, underneath the old (and now closed) Bucha restaurant is a small, family owned Japanese restaurant. Chef Mitsuhiro Yashio and his wife (Rumi?) create a neighbourly environment for Darlinghurst locals to get their Japanese fix.

The decor is very basic and simple, and the restaurant seats around 30 people max. People were continuously dropping in after the restaurant was full, so it’s a good idea to get there a little early.

I ordered some shiso shochu (on the rocks) for a calming post-work fix, while my eyes perused the menu. There were a few specials written on the board – the minced tuna belly roll caught my eye. Toro would have to be my weakness – a fatty piece of tuna belly that melts in the mouth, melts all my troubles away.

The tuna was very fresh, and it was served with finely chopped chives. The portions were rather large which made it very good value.

The chef’s selection of sushi was also quite good – it was a combination of raw sashimi and lightly grilled sashimi – although the cut of the wagyu beef was very chewy which made it difficult to eat raw.

The wagyu beef tatki with avocado and ponzu jelly had delightful flavours – it was unfortunate that the same cut of beef was used.

seafood nabe

The seafood nabe was a great novelty. In Japanese culture, a Nabe dish is traditionally a symbol of friendship as it is designed to be shared. It is served in a Washi paper “pot” atop an open flame. Washi paper is extremely resilient against heat and moisture, which makes it durable enough to withstand soup stewing inside. Fresh raw seafood is submerged in a rich dashi broth and slowly cooked at the table.

wagyu katsu with brie

What was truly sinful and irresistible on the menu was the Wagyu beef katsu with a melted brie cheese centre. It tastes even better than it looks, as the beef is coated in panko crumbs and deep fried to remain pink, the melted brie oozes out with every bite. Dressed decoratively in Japanese katsu sauce and mayo, it’s a must try!

Beef okonomiyaki

The okonomiyaki was a little different to what I’m normally used to, perhaps to cater for a more Western palette. It lacked shaved bonito and seaweed sprinkles and instead served with chopped shallots and deep fried onions.  

 

Crabmeat avocado salad

The waitress recommended the crabmeat avocado salad – it was served with lotus root chips with a great crunch, and topped with fried julienned shallots. There is a distinct flavour similarity between a few of the dishes.

 For dessert, there is a sweet almond tofu with strawberry compote, which is very similar to the almond tofu you find in yum cha, but minus the sugar syrup.

But the standout for me was the chocolate cake with layers of fried yuba sheets (”tofu skin”). It was like a mille feuille made with yuba and brownies and lightly dusted with icing sugar - the texture and combination of flavours were just perfect.

With the friendly staff and casual family environment, Sushi Yachiyo is my new favorite place for a quiet week night dinner. Their menu is also available for takeaway.

Level 1, Shop 1, 13 Kirketon Rd
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Phone (02) 9331 8107

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