Umi Kaiten-Zushi

Booze Eat & Drink Japanese Seafood

Jackie McMillan
June 11, 2014

Festival season is in full swing with both Vivid and Sydney Film Festival drawing everybody into town. Smart travellers are bypassing traffic by using the Light Rail link, which now delivers people all the way from Dulwich Hill; so I’ve been trawling the tracks looking for dining inspiration. Just meters from Capitol Square – the best stop for The Lion King – Umi Kaiten-Zushi offers a well-stocked train of freshly prepared sushi. Spicy Tuna ($4.50) and Seared Scallop ($5.50) were my highlights, and if they’re not rotating ‘round the fish tank, the chef will whip them up straight away. If you’re seeing a matinee, the Teatime Special (2.30pm-5.30pm) sees all sushi at $3.50 a plate. Happy Hour(s) kick in from 3-7pm with five-dollar drinks, including sake; and the Dewazakura Junmai ($7/60ml) is a really pleasant drop. While I find it hard to stay away from the fishes, scoffing both 5-Kinds Assorted Sashimi ($18) and the Chef’s Choice Nigiri Selection ($15-20) that changes daily to include seasonal delicacies like toro (tuna belly), for many customers winter hotpots are the order of the day. Miso Soy Milk Seafood Foil Nabe ($16.80) is gentle and soothing. Combine it with Grilled Cheese Mayo Scallops ($12/3) or a sizzling platter of Teriyaki Salmon ($15) for additional warming fare.