Uchi Lounge

A hidden gem where Surry Hills meets the city, Uchi Lounge is a converted two-storey terrace that houses a funky little sake bar downstairs that’s very easy to get stuck in and an organic Japanese bistro upstairs. It’s not decked out in a traditional way, more of a bohemic arty cool touch. Slightly opaque sails hang from the ceiling dividing the eating areas and clever dim lighting help create an interesting ambiance.

The menu also diverts slightly with a few tweaks to the normal Japanese. However, the mini degustation banquet of multiple sharing dishes doesn’t entirely showcase the repertoire, but you still get a good sense of the different things the kitchen is trying. Of course sushi features, though you’ll have to fight over the nigiri of salmon, kingfish, tuna and snapper. Kingfish sashimi with shallots, a drizzle of a rich soy tamari and pickled sweetness from umeboshi a refreshing dressing on the quality raw fish. Salmon tataki comes with a salty citrus combination of capers and ponzu, parmesan adds an extra dimension to the miso baked onto the buttery soft grilled eggplant. Refining a pub staple, medium rare steak is sliced and fanned, served with a small wasabi mash, a cool way remix of the tataki.

This hidden gem is fast becoming a veteran, so if you haven’t been, it’s well worth checking out, even just for the infused sakes. Just remember to come upstairs for dinner.


3 / 5 yums!
------
Where? 15 Brisbane St, Surry Hills, NSW
What? Banquet $150 for 4