@chocolatesuze If you’re not able to visit Japan any time soon then you’ve got to visit Nomidokoro Indigo #darlinghurst #sydney #sydneyrestaurants #sydneyjapanesefood #izakaya ♬ original sound – ChocolateSuze

If you’ve been missing Japan then you need to visit Nomidokoro Indigo, a Japanese Izakaya in Darlinghurst with only 11 seats at the counter.

The sake steamed baby clams arrive first and are deliciously sweet and tender. There was a special of trevally collar which was perfectly grilled and then the scallops in the most delicious soy butter.

The miso marinated salmon is outstanding, buttery soft and just the right amount of saltiness.

We also ordered the slow cooked duck breast, as well as a ginormous serve of dashimaki tamago which is wondrously light and fluffy and finally the seared mentaiko potato salad is pure comfort food.

For desserts we ordered the cloud-like Hojicha chiffon cake and the sake ice cream is quite strong at first but works perfectly with the miso caramel.

@chocolatesuze The best mud crab I’ve had in Sydney and it’s at a pub #thetaphouse #darlinghurst #mudcrab #sydneychinesefood #sydneyrestaurants ♬ original sound – ChocolateSuze

If you love mud crab you’ve got to check out the newly revamped Taphouse Pub in Darlinghurst.

We start off with some snacks, the bang bang chicken wings are ridiculously addictive, the prawn wontons are silky and great with the house made chilli oil, and the fluffy steamed bbq pork buns are a winner.

For the larger dishes we ordered the sweet and sour pork which had crisp batter, the steamed scallops with vermicelli are sweet and fragrant and the wok fried morning glory ticks all the boxes for health.

And finally the main event arrives, loooook at this giant plate of mud crab with egg noodles! The mud crab is $98 and needs to be preordered ahead of time. You can choose what style you want it cooked, there’s the classic ginger and shallots or black pepper but I chose garlic butter and it was incredible. The crab was so meaty and perfectly cooked and noodles just soaked up all the sauce.

@chocolatesuze

Trying the chips and wine pairing ngl it was great

♬ Fantasy X Feel So Close Carter Walsh Mashup – CarterWalsh

@chocolatesuze My new fave Spanish tapas bar #sydney #barlucia #pottspoint #sydneyspanishfood #sydneyrestaurants #sydneytapas ♬ Dance You Outta My Head – Cat Janice

I was drawn to Bar Lucia in Potts Point because of their happy hour sangria but l reckon this is my fave Spanish tapas bar. The 18 months Jamon Serrano is silky and delicate and the Jamon Serrano Croquettes have a satisfying crunch with a creamy cheesy filling.

The garlic prawns with white wine and chilli arrive sizzling and are incredibly fragrant. We decide to order all 3 of the skewers which are beautifully presented, there was the Ox tongue with salsa verde, the pork with greek yogurt, pomegranate and parsley and my fave the salmon with tartare sauce, green chillis and dill.

Next was the super juicy chorizo and the sauteed wild mushrooms with aged Manchego cheese. And finally the barbecued octopus is beautifully charred and so tender.

We end with the Crema Catalana with creamy custard in a crisp caramel crust.