Izakaya Fujiyama, Surry Hills

So what does Domo-kun and Gundam have in common?? As you can see in the picture above, they love to hangout at Izakaya Fujiyama! I mean, why wouldn't you? They carry a great range of quality sake and the food is mind blowing! Since its 2011 launch and after reading reviews about them in various food blogs, I made it my mission to make it here one day.

Izakaya Fujiyama is located on Waterloo Street (near Devonshire Street) in Surry Hills. Izakayas are like pubs in Japan but more refined. Fujiyama is a drinking establishment that serves Japanese dishes designed to be shared. The foods are like bar snacks but more substantial than tapas. The venue is modern and sleek with wall shelving fit outs that display an amazing range of sake. There are tables for two, four and six. There's also a huge communal table in the middle of the restaurant. The food ranges from sashimi to kushiyaki (grilled meats). Chef Kenji is the man behind Fujiyama's magic.

Edamame

We started with a classic Izakaya item, edamame ($5.50). It was nice, fresh and sprinkled with sea salt. The beans contained within the pods were sweet and tasty.

Sake - Tamagawa Muroka Nama - Genshu Yamahai

I also ordered a 'Tamagawa Muroka Nama' Genshu Yamahai sake ($11 - 110ml). It was very fruity with distinct notes of watermelon. It was 110ml of liquid happiness!

Kenji's Fried Chicken

We all agreed that we must order Kenji's Fried Chicken ($14.50). Chef Kenji's twist on the classic karaage chicken has delicate crunchy batter rather than usual doughy-crisped batter. The pieces of chicken were more chunky and super succulent. The housemade kewpie mayo was sweet, slightly tangy and creamy. Fried chicken plus sweet tangy kewpie equals a joyous moment.

Kingfish nuta with tortilla

The Kingfish nuta with tortilla ($16) was one of the best dishes I've ever had. Nuta is normally a side dish flavoured with sweet miso paste and scallions. Fujiyama's version uses kingfish sashimi with lime flavoured miso paste, scallions and chives. It had a nice silky texture with sweet citrus flavour and slightly gingery. There was also a nice bite from the chives & scallions. Spread this on the deep fried tortillas to take the nuta experience to the next level.

Teriyaki beef rib

The Teriyaki beef rib ($29.50) was straight up tender, juicy and sticky. The teriyaki masterstock glaze was sweet and syrupy. The jalapeño relish adds a hint of smoky and sweet nutty flavour. In short, it's mouth rockin' awesome!

Zucchini flower tempura

The deep fried zucchini flower tempuras were a definite delight! It was stuffed with a cheesy filling and the pieces of sweet blood orange were nice to cut through the rich fried goodness.

Crispy pork belly with yuzu kosho

Then came the crispy pork belly with yuzu kosho ($26.50). Our eyes were all wide open in excitement at the sight of the chunky pieces of pork. All hail! The glorious tiles of crackling that was super crisped and perfectly seasoned. The meat itself was succulent, tender and nicely sprinkled with sea salt and pepper. The yuzu kosho (chilli pepper) paste gives a nice balance and heat to the fatty flavoursome pork .

Fujiyama snickers

I was swept away by the plate of Fujiyama snickers ($13.50). It was like a deconstucted snickers bar. It had peanut butter cake, salted caramel ice cream, chocolate custard, a dollop of yuzu custard and peanuts. It was mind blowing! The citrus component brought by the yuzu custard and salted caramel ice cream was a genius twist. This dessert was an awesome homage to the classic snickers bar that's loved by many.

I now see why they have received raves from many food lovers and members of the Sydney Japanese community (including ramen master Chef Mori Higashida) that frequent here. The service is superb, sake selection is wide, and the twists on Izakaya food are brilliant. I am now a big fan of Izakaya Fujiyama.

Izakaya Fujiyama

Shop G09, 38-52 Waterloo Street

Surry Hills NSW 2010

02 9698 2797

Website: http://izakayafujiyama.com

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Thursday to Saturday from 6pm until late.