If first impressions are important, Shusai Mijo gets a gold star. Walking into the earthy-hued, minimalist dining space, there’s a sense of being transported somewhere calm and ethereal; an escape from the humdrum where your journey will be guided with only your utmost satisfaction in mind.
The upscale Japanese restaurant is so pristine it almost seems to shimmer, though not as brightly as the menu’s sakizuke – an introductory appetiser of fresh seafood, floral garnishes and an umami-rich dashi jelly, served in a glass and gold-rimmed bowl. It has to be one of the prettiest dishes you could imagine, and it tastes even better.
On that note, Shusai Mijo has the culinary pedigree to back its pristine aesthetics. Three ex-Warabi alums are at the helm, including restaurant manager Matthew Ng who carefully mans the floor as a certified and passionate sommelier. Then there’s chef Jun Oya, who brings more than 20 years of experience and a mastery of sushi and kappo to the fold. The third complement to the operation is sous chef Takuro Abe, who was born and raised in Japan and has more than 25 years of experience in authentic Japanese cuisine.
Shusai Mijo quietly opened on Johnston Street at the beginning of autumn, an intimate eight-seater offering an authentic Japanese kappo omakase experience. There’s only a drinks list and two menus on offer: the Shusai Mijo Sushi Set, available Tuesday to Thursday at just $165 per person (an absolute steal considering both the quality and quantity of sushi courses), and the Kappo Style Omakase, available every Friday and Saturday at $250 per person.
The latter takes the experience up a notch, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients from both Japan and Australia – including some items completely exclusive to the restaurant. With this option, you dine at the counter while Chef Jun prepares your food to the most exacting standards.
For a midweek dining adventure that's great value, the Shusai Mijo Sushi Set has to be one of the best in town right now. You’ll be enchanted by five courses of sushi and ethically sourced Aussie and Japanese seafood, perfect as a hump day treat or a tentative first try for sushi newbies. It’s available for a limited time only, so if you’d like a taste of Shusai Mijo, now’s the time to book.
The drinks list is an essential part of the Shusai Mijo experience, showcasing innovative cocktails and both local and international wines and spirits. But the undisputed highlight is the restaurant’s special and rare sake collection, which Ng will happily guide you through with his wealth of expertise and tailored recommendations.
Shusai Mijo is clear on its philosophy: to showcase the beauty and simplicity of each fresh ingredient when prepared with true faithfulness to the art of traditional Japanese cuisine, and in harmonious balance with other ingredients. The results? Truly unforgettable. For more information, visit the website.