While we were lucky enough to have terrific takeaways in Level 3, nothing quite beats the appeal of a dine-in meal. With some restaurant doors remaining closed during lockdown and others offering limited or paired back menus, there are plenty of dishes we have been dreaming about trying once again. Plated to perfection and served just as the chef intended — these are the dishes we’ve missed.
Sashimi from Little Culprit
Some things are best left to the experts, like sharp knives and slicing fish. Luckily the pros are back on the job, with inner-city favourite Little Culprit offering its next level bar snacks once again. Welcome spring and satisfy your sashimi cravings with the instantly refreshing combination of line-caught sashimi, tomato and lime jelly, kaffir lime buttermilk and basil. Open from Tuesday 1st September, follow @littleculprit for updates
Katsu sando from Omni
Omni’s izakaya-inspired dining concept was an instant hit when it opened in July, with its katsu sando becoming somewhat of a signature. The pairing of juicy, panko-coated handground chicken patty with perfect circles of fluffy white bread and crunchy cabbage is simplicity at its most delicious. With the 25-seater Dominion Road ‘bar-estaurant’ reopening from Tuesday 1st September, it’s highly advised you make a booking to secure your spot (and katsu sando). Book online here
Lamb ribs from Lilian
As loyal fans of Lilian’s impeccably executed cuisine will know, it’s almost impossible to choose one dish we’ve missed from its menu. Between the grape and prosciutto pizza, the burrata and the woodfired bread, it’s the lamb ribs with black garlic and pistachio that keep coming to mind. The normally walk-in only neighbourhood eatery is offering online bookings this week, so be in quick. Book online here
Tostada from Azabu
Thankfully Azabu’s sushi and sashimi were available to sample during lockdown 2.0, however, its legendary tostada took some time out of our orbit. Celebrate Azabu’s return to form by crunching your way through one (or two, or three… we’re not here to judge) of its heirloom tomato, tuna sashimi or seared beef tostadas. Book online here
Fried chicken from Gochu
Our fingers have been looking suspiciously clean for the past few weeks without Gochu’s famous fried chicken to make them sinfully sticky. The Commercial Bay newcomer is back and better than ever, serving up Jason’s fried chicken both dine-in and via its new Gochu to-go offering. Book online here or text/call 02109052396 for takeaway orders
Small plates and cocktails from Andiamo
There’s nothing we’ve pined for quite so much as parking up at neighbourhood favourite Andiamo with a cocktail in hand. Just as well they’re back to business, offering the popular Aperitivo hour once again with $15 cocktails and small plates to share between 4-6pm (plus all the tried and true favourites if you feel like sticking around for dinner). Book online here
