Ju Ju

Ladies and gents, leave the Manolos & Ferragamos at home, they aren’t impressive enough to be worn around Ju Ju. In fact, any footwear won’t be, as it’s a socks and barefoot affair in this cute and quirky Japanese restaurant. The no shoes policy is not the only thing that makes it very Nippon, be seated at one of the polished wooden traditional styled booths, slated frames, seats at floor level with thin cushions for scant comfort the real novelty of the place. That and the karaoke that starts straight after reasonable dining hours.

Hanzo Samurai sword sharp precision with the food, quick seared tuna with a cheesy nutty shabu shabu sauce and garnished with fried shallots a great starter. No surprises in the more traditional sushi and sashimi platter, not bad with all the usual suspects of salmon, tuna and kingfish. Tempura not a great example, but takoyaki and okonomiyaki fair better. Raw beef brilliantly done, dressed in a slightly vinegary soy, the mound of sliced red cow flesh so tender, a cracked egg for the slimy texture. Much more appealing than described.

Probably not the place to WOW a hot date if you suffer from the foot pong. Although it’s one of Sydney’s more unique dining destinations, it doesn’t command the exclusivity that comes with a Manolo purchase. But thank goodness eating at Ju Ju costs far less. That’s sure to impress.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Shop 320, Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross, NSW