Izakaya Publico

Secreted away inside Brisbane city's new Hotel Indigo is Izakaya Publico, a stunning, street art-adorned Japanese restaurant accessed via speakeasy-inspired bar 1603. Once you've made it up the elevator, across the hotel lobby and through the bar (with a stop for a sake cocktail along the way), head down the stairs to find a cavernous space with high ceeilings, cosy brown leather booth seating and striking murals on the walls. 

The designed-to-share menu is a journey through Japanese favourites, both traditional and contemporary. Order up plates of sashimi, chicken thigh and pork belly skewers, yakisoba noodles, tempura vegetables and katsu sandos, or just one of everything from the robata section, which includes teriyaki salmon, fried tofu and wagyu, all fired over the coal grill. 

Can't decide? Opt for one of the set menus, which will take you on a journey through the whole delicious menu. Once you've made your choice, sip on Japanese inspired Signature cocktails like the Yuzu Margarita made with tequila, yuzu, lime and Cointreau or try one of the many bottled saked or sochus on the menu as you await your feast. 

Image credit: Supplied