Location
If you know Green Moustache in North Sydney, then you know this building. If you don’t, then for us it became a game of Google maps v ask a local for directions. If all else fails, look for neon lights and listen for laughter.
The Design
Nestled just above street level, Miji is an charming wedge of a restaurant. Entering through a replica Shinjuku Arch, we are transported to vibrant scenes reminiscent of Tokyo’s renowned entertainment district. The space buzzes with Japanese signs, flags, lanterns, and walkways that converge at a triangular bar. The bar, resembling a dynamic roundabout, features bartenders at the center and seating areas encircling them.
We snag a comfy booth overlooking the street below. It’s 6.30pm and already it’s a packed house with couples, groups of friends and a lot of cocktails being drunk!
Self serve drinks and DIY Cocktail Station – Tap, pay, pour & drink
Well this is dangerous. I get a swipe card from my server (and prepay) and off I go. At the entrance is a row after row of self serve drinks from wines such as Chardonnay to St Hallet Shiraz, Sakes and Shochu. My focus is the cocktail section. I pop the card into the slot, grab a glass then press the button for my margarita. In a hilarious twist on the ice-cream candy bar you get at buffets, in front of me is a wild selection of marshmallows, sweets, lollies, fruit and more. It’s the candy equivalent of personalise your Crocs.
I am a purist when it comes to cocktails and sadly there’s no cocktail salt. The bartenders come to my rescue and swap over my glass so I can enjoy the perfect marg with a salt rim. Holy Moly for $10 it’s a cossie lives steal!
The Food & Chef Jacob Lee
At the helm of Miji Bar & Grill is Head Chef Jacob Lee, known for his remarkable tenure at two-Michelin-starred ‘Mingles’ in Seoul and the Michelin-starred Voce Columbus in New York. With such an impressive background, it’s no surprise that Miji Bar & Grill offers anything but run-of-the-mill food. The price point, while reflective of the quality, delivers fantastic value for the most part.
This izakaya sets a new standard with a menu that leaves clichés behind and redefines the category. It’s organized into sections: skewers, rice & noodle, raw, nabe, chargrill, and small plates.
We kick off with Kanimiso Okonomi, a dish that’s making waves on Instagram. While a dish of crab innards may be confronting, it is a knockout. Each element—kanimiso, salmon roe, scallop, crab meat, and egg yolk—is artfully served in a crab shell, accompanied by creamy maze rice. “Eat it how you like, smash it up, pile it over, eat each section individually, it’s up to you,”. We opt for the smoosh method, and each grain is coated in a delicious silky, fishy jumble.
Next, we sample a king crab leg ($60). Though it’s not lot of leg for the price, the sweet and juicy flesh lifts easily with one chopstick swoop, making it a memorable bite. We skip the sukiyaki beef hot pot and instead enjoy slices of wagyu tossed with fried udon noodles, mayo, and bonito flakes, all under a shower of waving bonito flakes. This dish, one of my favorites, is a steal at $22.
The skewers take me back to Tokyo. We try the chicken thigh, baby octopus, and zucchini, with prices ranging from $3 to $6 per skewer. Cooked over a charcoal grill, the chicken thigh is smoky and umami-rich. However, the Mentaiko Zucchini steals the show. Whole roe sacs of pollack, cured with salt and spices, nestle in a slice of zucchini, creating a salty-sweet-crunchy delight that has me in a happy fog.
What we are Addicted to?: This isn’t your typical Izakaya. Dive into a menu packed with innovative dishes with great prices. If you want to go posh you can grab share dishes and walk out at under $50 a head. The $10 self-serve sake, wine and cocktail bar is a standout for value.
What we need to be more Addicted?: Honestly not much. You can absolutely blow the budget with King Crab, Wagyu short rib and the chargrill menu. But there is something for everyone. At the weekend its busy, loud and fun, so if you want something a bit more romantic, go here another night!
Miji Bar & Grill: T25/100 Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11.30am – 10.00pm