In a city in love with Japanese food, Sokyo stands out from the pack for its luxe surroundings, chic bar, sultry dining room, and innovative, fine-flavoured food. Lone diners and action fans sit up at the sushi bar, entranced by the chefs’ wizardry. Traditional nigiri and sashimi sit alongside more innovative dishes, designed kaiseki-style to build your own menu. Kingfish ceviche with miso bursts with umami, the crunch of potato shreds and a hit of green chilli and lime zest. Follow it with red snapper tempura, crisp and lightly coated, zinged up with black pepper chilli vinegar. Anything from the robata grill is a must; such as smoky-sweet beef short rib. A spicy sashimi salad was less impressive and sweet flavours can dominate, but it’s all designed to keep an eclectic bunch of diners happy. There’s humour in a yamazaki caramel macchiato dessert, finished with whisky foam.

And ... There’s a three-course set lunch menu on Fridays for $45.

THE LOW-DOWN
Vibe Sydney meets Tokyo, in every way.
Best bit Spacious, with varied seating and menu options.
Worst bit Wine service could be more informed.