Izakaya Tori

Whisking diners away from all the sensory magic of Tokyo is Izakaya Tori. It's smart, it's sophisticated and it's befitting of a top spot on your list of must-does in Marrickville.

It's hard to believe that you can reach this authentic replication of Japan by just visiting Marrickville Metro and not through some kind of teleporting device. Inside it's a saloon of elegance, streamlined furniture filling a sweeping dining hall in which the culinary greats in the kitchen can be seen working their magic. Illuminated shelves full of the finest Japanese whiskies and Sakes line the walls, tempting you to sample a drop and fall in love whilst traditional decor places you in the heart of the Japanese capital, indulging all the senses in this rich, fine dining experience.

What makes Japanese cuisine so special is the many ways in which it can be enjoyed. Take it easy with some fried chicken dumplings, monkfish liver pate and exclusive items such as octopus sashimi. Now that's something you're not going to find anywhere else. Alternatively, head to the raw bar where you'll find all kinds of other sashimi as well as carpaccio, sushi and wagyu tartare.

For mains, exclusive cuts of meat are given all the respect they deserve. Take the duck breast that is grilled to perfection and served with bok-choy, the wagyu steak that comes with a homemade miso sauce and a miso-marinated black cod served on a bed of seasonal vegetables. If, however, you fancy sharing, there are three hotspots for you and your loved ones to huddle around. Japanese dining at its best, Izakaya Tori is making waves in Sydney's fine dining scene.