For the past decade, the search for a quality Japanese dining experience has been a simple one: all roads lead to Crows Nest. 

As with any cuisine, Japanese dining in Sydney is irreducible to a single experience or menu. For some, it’s about fresh, quality cuts of fish and elegant presentation, while for others, the cuisine revolves around a conveyor belt on colourful plastic plates. The most recent influx of Japanese restaurants and bars, however, has honed in specifically on an experience of immersion and authenticity.

It’s no surprise that Crows Nest is where many of these emerging businesses have chosen to stake their claim.

Ryo’s Noodles

Crows Nest has always had a strong reputation for authentic Japanese food, with Ryo’s Noodles existing as a dining fixture for over 20 years. Combined with a newly opened metro station nearby, and a high population of Japanese speakers living in the area, it seems the perfect place to set up shop.

New Yamanishi

Just a short walk up Falcon street from Ryo’s, you’ll find the recently opened New Yamanishi: though in its homely, unassuming exterior you may mistake it for a residential building.

Despite the Izakaya style fit out — crowded but cosy — the restaurant serves a diverse, substantial range of food including Wagyu Oxtail Ramen, Kingfish Bao, and Tempura Zucchini Flowers. 

Yakitori Yurippi

Just a five minute walk up to the commercial district, you’ll find Yakitori Yurippi, serving a less complicated menu largely consisting of Yakitori (translating literally to “grilled bird”, the term stands as a catch-all for any type of grilled, skewered meat.) 

Ramen Auru

If you’re looking for something more substantial, just upstairs in the same building, you’ll find Ramen Auru — taking walk-ins only — serving a more traditional ramen shop menu. 

Ichiros Sports Bar

Finally, sitting at the top of the three-story building is Ichiros Sports Bar, where you can finish (or begin) your night with a Suntory whiskey highball, and catch some Pacific league baseball.

Tachinomi YP

If you’re looking for a quieter, more laid-back spot to grab a drink after work, Tachinomi YP is the perfect Japanese Izakaya style bar, whether you're clocking off late as a financial consultant or popping in during your mid-shift break at Woolies.

With a selection of premium Japanese beers on tap — try the Orion dark — as well as traditionally served sake, Tachinomi is worth it, even if a scarcity of seats leaves you leaning against the bar. 

Though the four-story Woolworths across the road may hassle your immersion, if you can grab a seat facing away from it, you may find yourself believing you’ve just touched down in Tokyo. The food here, too, is not to be ignored: despite being a tiny bar, Tachinomi has a rotating menu of specials and serves a bowl of Japanese Beef Curry that is surprisingly cheap ($14) amidst the ever-soaring price tag of eating out.