Niji Restaurant & Bar

The Verdict

Niji Restaurant & Bar is serving up beautiful modern Japanese food and cocktails in Double Bay, making izakaya even more fun than it already is! The presentation is gorgeous, the sake flowing, and the interiors warm and relaxing yet a little sleek (as you'd want to be in Double Bay). 

The heaven-sent sashimi is aptly presented with wispy plumes of liquid nitrogen - each slice is super silky and meltingly tender.

The smoky and unctuous pork belly topped with puffed crackling is another major highlight, balanced out by a crunchy base and delicate apple slices. It may seem dainty at first, but you'll be clutching your belly before long. 

Of course, the seafood is the real star at Niji, and the salmon tartar proves it. Each bite takes umami to extreme levels, with miso and popping pearls of caviar that'll have you racing for the next taro chip. That said, we won't blame you if you want to eat this with a spoon! 

For more popping action, the passionfruit cheesecake in a glass adds an element of fun with poprocks in the biscuit base, complementing a beautiful balance between sweet, tart and tangy. Just the way any passionfruit dessert should be, really!

Whatever you do, don't leave without lingering for a sake cocktail, especially if you're a fan of sweeter, fruitier flavours. 

If you can't get enough (we know we couldn't!), Niji also host sushi making classes, sake tasting nights, and maybe your next private event on the second floor.  

Image credit: Niji Restaurant & Bar