Contemporary Japanese restaurant Tokyo Laundry opened with a bang last Thursday 27 April, the final outlet to open as part of a new dining precinct in the Gateway building at Circular Quay.
In addition to a food menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Masahiko Yomoda, the restaurant bar has a strong focus on Japanese whisky, saké and Japanese inspired cocktails.
A spokesperson for Tokyo Laundry told BARS&clubs that the bar will be stocked with an extensive collection of Japanese whiskies, ranging from low, to mid, to premium drops.
A champagne and oyster bar is also slated to launch in the next few weeks – rumours are that they’re partnering with Moët Hennessy – which will have oyster and champagne specials, and potentially a DJ in the space as well.
Inside the restaurant, Chef Naoki Hozawa (ex-Yoshii and Saké) is behind the pans, combining modern Japanese cooking techniques with a modern influence; think snapper carpaccio, confit wagyu steak with roppongi sauce, and Tokyo Laundry’s signature lobster roll.
The a la carte menu will also be available at the bar, so guests can enjoy smaller plates while sipping on their cocktails in a more informal setting.
“Being a Japanese menu, it lends itself really well to small, sharing plates. So there’s not a bar menu per se, but anyone is welcome to grab an a la carte menu and order as much or as little as they want,” the spokesperson said.
Seating 180 guests, the slick, sophisticated space boasts layers of stone, steel, antique brass and bespoke fabrics.
At Tokyo Laundry’s opening night on May 27, the Veuve was flowing and mixologist Max Greco served up an array of these signature cocktails with a Japanese twist, keeping attendees merry.
The venue was dressed to the nines with traditional ikebana floral designs as geishas, models, stakeholders and media danced the night away, while the chefs – alongside owner David Loh – kept the guests on their toes with Japanese drummers, a private saké tasting room, and a well-stocked oyster bar.
Keep an eye out for the oyster and champagne bar launch over the coming weeks.
