Hideki

From the outside, Hideki’s dramatic black exterior gives absolutely nothing away—but step through the huge sliding door that marks the entrance and you’ll find a stunning, atmospheric Japanese restaurant that will fire up all your senses. Having taken over the space once home to Alba in Burnett Lane, this uber cool  new spot has gotten everyone talking, and it’s easy to see why.

Designed by Sophia Klemz-Ghanem, who is also a co-owner together with her husband Wasim Ghanem and business partner Joe Chagoury, Hideki is more than just a dining destination—it’s an experience. Lit by a striking grid-like lightbox that towers over the bar, the interiors are almost entirely black, from the marble tables to the black concrete bar. Behind a long row of banquet seating hangs 250-year-old gold Japanese artworks, with several more centuries-old antiques dotted throughout the venue. 

While the interiors may edge towards fine dining, the menu takes a more casual approach, with a lengthy list of share plates that includes snacks, raw dishes and a hefty selection of yakitori skewers from the charcoal grill. Work your way through the likes of crispy miso eggplant, crunchy popcorn prawns, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu sandos, kingfish sashimi and soba noodle salad, with larger plates like wagyu sirloin and tooth fish saikyo yaki if you have room for more. Can’t decide (or just don’t want to0)? Opt for one of the decadent banquets, with a seafood option soon to come. 

The drinks list is as thought out as the food menu, featuring rare Japanese whiskeys, sakes and signature cocktails inspired by Japanese spirits and flavours—one delicate number even comes with a tiny gold paper crane floating atop it. We recommend finishing your feast with the Matcha Maiden, a sweet dessert-like sip that comes topped with  matcha cream—although the matcha crème brûlée  is equally as indulgent if you prefer something sans booze. 

The team aren’t done yet either—in early 2025 they’ll be opening Hideki 2.0 on James Street, but with a difference. Here they’ll be swapping dark and moody vibes for lush greenery in an outdoor garden space, and adding delicate sushi platters to the menu line up. Stay tuned for more details in the new year, but in the meantime, get your bookings in early for Hideki—word is well and truly out about one of the best new openings of the year.

Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine