Kenjin

Located in the centre of Fortitude Valley is Brisbane's newest Japanese restuarant, Kenjin. Step inside and be transported to Japan, with cherry blossom trees overhead, a koi wall and plenty of neon lights. Giant plush booths provide ample space for big groups looking to dine together before a night out while smaller groups and couples can nab one of the high tables dotted around the venue. 

With a menu that combines Japanese, pan-Asian and Australia cuisine, here you'll find traditional favourites like pork gyoza, sashimi and kaarage chicken alongside fusion creations like seven spice calamari and blackened reef cod. Guaranteed favourites include the spiced BBQ street corn, Morteon Bay milk buns and katsu chicken with curry sauce, and you should definitely save room for yuzu tart for dessert. 

If you're just starting your night, Kenjin also boasts a range of cocktails, including a handful with a Japanese twist. Sip on a Kenjin Yuzu Spritz, with yuzu, martini bianco and prosecco, or spice things up with a lychee jalapeño margarita. Bonus, if you're not ready to leave after the last bite of dinner is gone—the restaurant also has its own nightclub just through a set of double doors called After Dark, which is open from 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Image credit: Kenjin