Find yourself on Miller Street in North Sydney and looking for a place to eat and drink? Follow the flashing neon lights and pass under a replica Shinjuku arch – you’ve made it to Miji Bar & Grill, a cool new izakaya joint that’s giving off major Tokyo vibes.
Wondering what an izakaya is? Picture a Japanese casual eatery where food and drinks flow freely and friends gather to unwind after work. Think: share-style small plates, a buzzing atmosphere and drinks aplenty. But this one’s a little different.
So, when you step inside Miji, the first thing you'll notice is the self-serve wine bar – after all, it’s all about convenience and choice. Just grab a prepaid card, tap, pay and pour your way through the wines, sakes and drinks on offer. There are more than 24 mixers, plus a garnish station featuring herbs, dried fruits and lollies – so you can make your dream drink.
Feel like leaving it to the experts? You can try one of their signature cocktails at the bar. We like the sound of the Doraemon, made with apple sake, vodka, blue curaçao, coconut cream, coconut water and marshmallow.
As for the food, Miji specialises in grilled seafood. Expect dishes like king crab, seafood rice, rainbow trout and kingfish crudo. Head chef Jacob Lee’s focus is on taking classic Japanese dishes and giving them a fresh twist. Having worked in Michelin-starred kitchens in New York and Seoul, he aims for inventive dishes that will give you a taste of Tokyo in the heart of North Sydney. And there’s no need to commit to a full sitting – simply pop in for a quick drink and snack, enjoy it at the bar, and head off when you're ready – just like they do in Japan.
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