Yukis at the Quay, Circular Quay

13 July 2011, 03:27


There’s not too many places on the Sydney Harbour where you can get awesome Japanese food + unobstructed views of the Opera House and not break the wallet. Yukis at the Quay (Level 4, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay) is one of those places that is a hidden gem, so hidden that I’ve never noticed it just behind the psychedelic Cruise bar.


Take the lift up to the 4th floor and be greeted by the unmistakable sight of the Opera House. Or by the knowing grin of Helen who knows all too well how easily I get lost.


Today’s assorted sashimi ($45) is a riot of colour, the selection of fish so fresh that yes, it could jump off the plate. Or swim. You know what I mean. Toshi, the charming manager at Yukis at the Quay has invited us to try out the menu and has explained that all the seafood is purchased daily from the Sydney Fish Markets.


I am totally all fangirl with sashimi. I blame this on my introduction to salmon sashimi at a young age by my father (hi dad!) who could devour trays of salmon sashimi in one sitting. Like durian, I was not an immediate convert but over time I grew to love the buttery salmon belly. The sashimi platter is one of the few non sweet foods that will make my eyes sparkle and this platter before us is no exception. The salmon is definitely a winner for me, followed closely by the mackerel and kingfish and while I stay clear of the tuna sashimi thanks to my issues with texture I greedily scarf all the colours of the fish rainbow.


The Wagyu beef tataki with ponzu sauce and garlic chips ($18) is beautifully presented, thin slices of bovine deliciousness with lightly seared edges.


Deep fried soft-shell crab and mix leaf salad with Yukis dressing ($20) was unfortch a little bit of a letdown- the crab a tad too oily and the palate cleansing salad drenched in dressing.


Paper Hot Pot: Premium Wagyu beef and seasonal vegetables ($45) is off the chain insane. Mouth get ready for a taste explosion! The Wagyu marble score is 7+ and is the perfect balance of taste and fat. Delicious fat. And who doesn’t love a bit of a dreamy mini fire at the table…


Snag a slice and begin immersion in the bonito stock!


8 seconds is about right for my liking of cooked-ness with some pinky innards. Dip into the accompanying sesame sauce and nom away! Once you’ve finished the meats add in the veg to soak up some meaty deliciousness


The Chawanmushi was not on the menu and was a suggestion from our waiter and oh how I heart you silky soft tofu innards! Hiding beneath like buried treasure were nubbins of fish, prawns and mushroom.


Aaaand because I was dying for some blowtorch goodness a last plate of aburi salmon and scallop to round off our meal.


Oh hello Umeshu. I do love you.


Assorted Desserts- green tea tiramisu, white sesame blancmange, assorted fruit with almond tuile ($22). So like, I totally just assumed that scoop of white near the fruit was ice cream and dug in a giant spoonful and turns out it was cream ohohoho but that’s ok because I heart cream! If you are not friends with cream then we can never be friends! The green tea tiramisu was fabulous with its layers of cream and super soft sponge though the green tea powdering could’ve done with another sprinkle or two. The blancmange curiously tasted more like white chocolate than white sesame but no worries mate cos I like white chocolate and all too soon the bowl was scraped clean. And lols we were fascinated by the lantern which was made from a super thin carving of daikon!


Tee hee cheeeeeese :D



ChocolateSuze dined courtesy of Yukis at the Quay

 

 

  1. The wagyu was so deliciously soft and lol at the reference to the fish rainbow!

    — Helen (grabyourfork)    Jul 13, 03:36 AM    #

  2. Yummmm!!! Say the words sashimi , tataki and umeshu and I’m there in a flash!! The daikon lantern is super cool too !! Would definitely want to try this soon, I guess it’s view is similar to Ocean Room..

    — Tammy    Jul 13, 06:19 AM    #

  3. Glorious Japanese food! I heart Japanese food! I’m a fan of sashimi too (it’s healthy, fresh and amazing).

    Paper hotpot looks good, is that similar to a shabu shabu? I want that green tea tiramisu!

    — Raff (Ramen Raff)    Jul 13, 08:01 AM    #

  4. I’m a bit of a lurker but thought I’d just post a message…I check your blog every day hoping you’ve updated – I love how you are so good at taking food porn photos (dribble) and i love the way you write and just wanted to say “keep it up” because this Brit girl would be totally blah if you didn’t keep posting!

    Lx

    — Laura L    Jul 13, 08:41 AM    #

  5. no durian, noooooooooooo

    — :D    Jul 13, 09:08 AM    #

  6. ive added this place to my list, thanks suze!

    — betty    Jul 13, 11:06 AM    #

  7. Don’t think I can ever get sick of Japanese food, especially the aburi goodies!

    — Tina@foodboozeshoes    Jul 13, 11:10 AM    #

  8. Oh, I just want everything, EVERYTHING! Particularly the sashimi and desserts. Heaven!

    — Hannah    Jul 13, 12:45 PM    #

  9. The assorted sashimi has my mouthwatering.

    — Dumpling Girl    Jul 13, 12:57 PM    #

  10. Good to know there’s affordable Japanese fare in that area.

    — Gaby    Jul 13, 02:59 PM    #

  11. Omg that daikon lantern is amazing. I’d order that dish JUST for the lantern its that cool.

    — Apple @Polkadotsandchopsticks    Jul 13, 05:42 PM    #

  12. That lantern is super cool and I could just die all over that sushi awesomeness! Yum, yum, YUM!

    — Katie    Jul 13, 10:54 PM    #

  13. Yeah, ah, sushi = sashimi in last comment… Gimme a break, I live inland ;)

    — Katie    Jul 13, 10:55 PM    #

  14. deliciously looking food with awesome view! yummm i love sashimi!

    — Melissa    Jul 13, 10:56 PM    #

  15. looks pretty fresh but what’s with the Peace hand symbol? ;-)

    — Simon Food Favourites    Jul 13, 10:58 PM    #

  16. Can I still be your friend even though I don’t like durian?

    — mademoiselle délicieuse    Jul 13, 11:42 PM    #

  17. Did I read GREEN TEA TIRAMISU I’m sold! I think I’ll go there just because the dessert menu has that lol

    — Jenny    Jul 14, 12:59 PM    #

  18. ohh i stumbled upon yukis when i got lost, trying to look for the entrance to quay…oh the shame the paper hot pot looks uber fun!

    — sugarpuffi    Jul 14, 06:25 PM    #

  19. It all looks great and I love the paper hot pot! It’s the one dish I’d never order because it’s so filling (on top of everything else I want to eat) but this one seems very delicate! Thanks for the tip! :D

    — gummi baby    Jul 14, 06:32 PM    #

  20. I stayed at Circular Quay last time I was in Sydney. I wish I had known about the place then. The food looks spectacular.

    — Andrea    Jul 15, 08:30 AM    #

  21. That sashimi platter looks pretty good and salmon is always my favourite!

    — Susan    Jul 18, 12:15 PM    #

  22. Superb Posting ! That’s Delicious Look and nice article

    — B&B Brugge    Jul 22, 05:07 PM    #

  23. Yummmm !!! Oishi!!! I want me some Jap food now!

    — Jackie B    Jul 22, 06:18 PM    #

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