Cho Cho San

Cho Cho San is as rustic as it gets, but in all the right ways. With a fresh and contemporary take on a Japanese izakaya (resulting in the equivalent of tapas-style gastropub dining), this chic restaurant and bar is one of the most sought after dining spots in Sydney, and it’s not hard to see why. The menu is creative, the drinks list is inspired and the team are a passionate bunch. So, what more you could want?! Located in the heart of the fashionable Potts Point, Cho Cho San has found its home along MacLeay Street – ticking off ‘enviable location’ from its list of positives, to boot. You’ll be wanting to reserve ahead of time though, because this spot is popular amongst foodies with very good reason.

As the team behind Cho Cho San puts it, this is a Japanese izakaya reimagined, and boy does it pass with flying colours. The team behind this Sydney haven are none other than Jonathan Barthelmess and Sam Christie, who are also proud owners of The Apollo. This dynamic duo were inspired by the drinking and dining culture of Japan and have sought to bring this concept to Sydney – and let’s just say, locals cannot get enough. The space itself is minimalist, boasting a long dining bar and showcasing plenty of sake and shochu that we highly recommend you sample. In fact, the drinks menu at Cho Cho San Potts Point is, let’s just say, enchanting.

In terms of Cho Cho San’s menu, you’ll find a range of fresh sashimi, tempura dishes, noodles and meat and fish selections that will leave you feeling very tempted indeed. We recommend keeping a close eye out for Japanese izakaya classics including pork katsu steamed buns, eggplant miso sticks and prawn toast. Then, sample dishes from the raw bar including petuna ocean trout with pepper and wasabi, scallops with ponzu and puffed rice and beef tartare with smoked cream cheese and horseradish. With banquet options available and plenty more besides, you’ll just have to pay Cho Cho San Potts Point a visit for yourself. Located on MacLeay Street, this Sydney spot certainly has a lot going for it so reservations are essential.