Sushi Rio Chatswood

Chatswood has a rep for top sushi trains and this branch of the Sushi Rio chain deserves a spot on the list. The space has a strikingly modern Japanese aesthetic you don’t notice from outside. Even more Japanese is the greeting in unison from staff as you sidle up to the narrow sushi train, inside of which is an impeccably clean prep kitchen with a Japanese chef expertly weidling a Japanese knife around a very fresh filet of salmon. The conveyor belt carries dumplings and grilled salmon still warm from the kitchen – the miso marinated salmon is a downright steal at $3.50 for three hearty pieces. Rolls are tasty and neatly done in a consistent bite size, and there’s not a hint of chewiness to the sashimi. Salmon is on heavy rotation here, so the bench might not be deep but the volume of plates is high – grab the takoyaki (octopus balls) as they sail by. Consistent freshness, rapid refill rate, a wallet-friendly $3.50 a plate (excluding sashimi) and a beautiful setting make this place a great all-arounder.