Named after the tragic teenage heroine in the opera Madame Butterfly, Cho Cho San (Cho Cho meaning ‘butterfly’) is Potts Point’s newest Japanese darling. But let us assure you, there’s no tragedy here.

Tucked in the quiet end of Macleay Street, this chopstick haven is the lovechild of Sam Christie and Jonathan Barthelmess (the team behind Apollo) who have accosted young gun Chef Nic Wong (ex- Billy Kwong, Bodega and Ester) to create what could be one of the year’s best additions to Sydney’s food and drink scene.

Imagine a Tokyo-inspired izakaya grill with a bustling vibe and awesome tunes, pulling a sceney crowd worth donning your Loubs for. It’s all class here, from a minimalist industrial chic fit-out to copper chopstick rests and quality glassware.

Now, for a quick lesson in Japanese: learn the word “oishi” (pronounced oh-ee-she, meaning ‘tasty’) – because you’ll need it. Eggplant miso dip. Mmmm oishi. Tuna, avocado and pickled eggplant. Ooohh oishi. Brown rice with mushrooms and egg. Oishiiiiii. Petuna ocean trout with black pepper and wasabi. Oishi. Oishi. Oishi.

Go for cocktails and snacks or settle in for the night and graze your way through the impressive menu.

Set a date and fall in love with Potts Point’s new darling butterfly.

Cho Cho San
Open seven days 6 – 11PM; lunch coming soon
73 Macleay Street, Potts Point 2021
www.chochosan.com.au