Monkey Magic *UPDATED*
Image: Since my last visit, this dark and modern venue has headhunted sushi superstar Michiaki Miyazaki. Miyazaki began his training at age eighteen at two Michelin star restaurant Kikunoi in Kyoto, Japan; a decade later his talent saw him take over as head chef!
Since my last visit, this dark and modern venue has headhunted sushi superstar Michiaki Miyazaki. Miyazaki began his training at age eighteen at two Michelin star restaurant Kikunoi in Kyoto, Japan; a decade later his talent saw him take over as head chef! He’s made fast work of improving the offerings here: the Monkey Magic Style Sushi Selection ($20/small) now harmoniously combines toppings like yuzu cream, sesame dressing and yellow anticucho with a variety of excellent nigiri sushi. The high quality fishes stand out even more in the Assorted Sashimi ($19/small); while the Soft Shell Crab Roll ($15) with fried leek and spicy mayonnaise is a mouth-filling, tongue-tingling explosion. I was also quite taken with the cold Prawn Noodle Salad ($18) – ignore the name, the mushrooms are the hero! A slightly chewy Salt and Pepper Cuttlefish ($11) was good on flavour and a nice foil to the aniseed (Absinthe) and cucumber notes of a Fairy Wings ($16) cocktail. I finished my meal with a delicate, internally warming and gently sweet Uguisu Daruma Junmai Sake from Fukuoka, Japan ($13/150ml). You’ve got until September to take advantage of one of the best specials in town – 20% off your entire bill if you dine Monday to Wednesday!
Monkey Magic
3 & 4, 410 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 9358 4444 www.monkeymagic.com.au
Japanese Fusion $$$-$$$$
