You may have known him as the cute Japanese guy behind the counter making desserts at Bodega, but no more. After much anticipation, chef Kenji Maeneka has opened his very own slice of Surry Hills dining, holed up next to Waterloo Street’s other newcomers, El Capo and Orto Trading Co.

It always takes a little longer than anticipated when building a restaurant from scratch – and believe us – Kenji-san built almost everything here himself!

It’s an Izakaya, so expect plenty of tasty shared eats geared to work with ze drinks. From Sydney’s still-present fascination with fried chicken, there’s KFC (Kenji’s Fried Chicken), salads that pack a punch (marinated onion salad, anyone?) and some of the best sashimi in the city (both in selection and presentation).

On the drinks front, Kenji-san has managed to score the big guns, with dynamic duo Charles Leong and Charles (Chino) Ainsbury heading up the wine and bar lists respectively. And yes, there’s shed load of sake to choose from, so get ready do say ‘Kampai’ more than once.

Casually chic, friendly and perfectly located near commuter Central Station, Izakaya Fujiyama could finally be one of Sydney’s first true Izakayas. Now that’s something to raise a glass to.

Izakaya Fujiyama
54-56 Waterloo Street Surry Hills, 2010
T: (02) 9698 2797