Rise

Well since everyone seems to want a regular column on our beloved little blog, I will continue with my irregular one on restaurant reviews.

The latest gem in the crown of the Sydney restaurant scene is RISE!

Described as japanese fusion, Rise serves a delicious selection of the best of japanese cooking with a westernised twist. We headed down there last Friday night and found the gorgeous little blue building tucked away on Craigend street in Darlinghurst.

The interior is dimly lit, and the tables are the perfect distance from each other, so much so that an intimate dinner is not overheard, and a loud party is not intrusive.

The menu offers ala carte, or something they call omakase (literally "leave it to me" - meaning the chef). We went for Omakase, a 7 course degustation menu featuring deep fried soft shell crab tacos, ocean perch fish cake with green papaya, teriyaki rudder fish & zucchini fritto stuffed with spicy ricotta cheese and of course a selection of fresh sashimi. The flavours were so well balanced and the produce so fresh it was melt in the mouth. We got a little worried after the 3rd course when they brought out a large platter of tempura (didn't think we'd finish it) but luckily that was for the table next to us.

You can order wine and beer by the glass or bottle, our bill total was about $140 for food and drink, and on Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays you could halve this with their special discounts.

I loved this place and highly recommend it. In fact, I suggest a mid week foray in the near future to take advantage of the cheap omakase, any one interested?

The pictures are from the website...didn't take my camera...you can see more here