Saké Restaurant & Bar, The Rocks
Experience contemporary Japanese dining with innovative twists and an extensive sake bar in a stylish, rustic-chic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Saké Restaurant & Bar, The Rocks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience contemporary Japanese dining with innovative twists and an extensive sake bar in a stylish, rustic-chic setting.
"A truly top-tier Japanese experience in Sydney, absolutely worth it for the highest quality Japanese food."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your table.
Consider the Set Menu
Ideal for special occasions, the set menu offers a sublime dining experience with staff guidance.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Fusion
Price
$$$
Phone
+61 2 9259 5656
Address
12 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dragon Egg Dessert
A show-stopping, visually stunning dessert that takes three days to make, looking like it's straight out of a fantasy epic.
Exceptional Sashimi and Sushi
Experience meticulously prepared sushi and sashimi featuring the freshest, highest-quality seafood, a true testament to Japanese culinary standards.
Innovative Japanese-Fusion
Savor creative dishes blending traditional Japanese flavors with modern, unexpected twists, offering a unique culinary adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your table.
Consider the Set Menu
Ideal for special occasions, the set menu offers a sublime dining experience with staff guidance.
Weekday Dining
Visit during weekdays for a potentially quieter and more relaxed dining experience.
Don't Miss Surprises
Be adventurous with ordering; even 'never heard of' menu items can be surprisingly delightful.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your table.
Consider the Set Menu
Ideal for special occasions, the set menu offers a sublime dining experience with staff guidance.
Weekday Dining
Visit during weekdays for a potentially quieter and more relaxed dining experience.
Don't Miss Surprises
Be adventurous with ordering; even 'never heard of' menu items can be surprisingly delightful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sake Restaurant & Bar is highly praised for its exceptional modern Japanese cuisine, particularly its fresh sashimi and innovative dishes. Diners rave about the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who offer great recommendations. While the food is consistently lauded as delicious and high-quality, some reviews mention that the restaurant can be pricey, and one diner noted an issue with an unpleasant insect at the entrance.
"Fantastic dinner! Staff know their menu very well! It was my partners first time trying high quality Japanese cuisine and the staff walked us through the whole set menu. Sake and wine selection was on point too! Would recommend to anyone willing to pay for a fancy dinner."
Jandre Van Der Walt
"I occasionally go there for a meal, and every time I visit, the food is so delicious that I always recommend the place to my friends. Both the sashimi and hot dishes are excellent, and the special menu items are flawless as well. Above all, the Sugarloaf Cabbage is one of the dishes I order every time I visit. It's a perfect vegetarian option and tastes absolutely amazing."
shin sunglyoung
"A truly top-tier Japanese experience in Sydney. Expensive, yes—but absolutely worth it for the highest quality Japanese food we've had in Sydney. The service was excellent, the atmosphere cosy and inviting, and the food was simply outstanding. Highly recommend the Brussels sprouts—they were a surprising standout! We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back."
pierre-alain Tieu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is celebrated for its modern Japanese cuisine, innovative fusion dishes, exceptional sashimi, and an extensive sake selection.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dining on weekends, to ensure you can get a table.
Popular dishes include the sashimi tower, wagyu tacos, miso glazed toothfish, dragon egg dessert, and various sushi creations.
Yes, Sake Restaurant & Bar accommodates vegetarians and those who practice a gluten-free diet.
The restaurant offers a rustic-chic and stylish dining room, described as intimate and cozy by some guests, with good interior lighting.
Absolutely, it's a popular choice for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, with a set menu option available.
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Tucked away in the historic, hostel-ridden harborside suburb of The Rocks, Sake serves up clean, fresh flavors matched to traditional Japanese wines by the group sommelier Miriam McLachlan. Try the eponymous sake (over 40 varieties can be found here) and umeshu (fruit wine), as well as spirits such as shochu. Head chef Shaun Presland’s extensive menu is an experimental yet balanced fusion of old and new: take your pick from standouts like the delicate silver cod lettuce cups; steamed dumplings with fillings of Chinese-inspired prawn shumai or wagyu beef with ginger and chives; or kingfish jalapeno, bocconcini tempura and popcorn shrimp.
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In an area more known for its beer swilling than cocktail drinking, Saké stands out. And it should – there’s some excitement to be found in this Japanese restaurant and bar. Bar snacks are bite-sized and pack a tasty punch.
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Show stopping sushi and super fresh sashimi, arty and intelligently formulated cocktails and all served in a rustic chic dining room, Saké Restaurant & Bar The Rocks is about the most refreshing place to eat in all of Sydney. Better yet, despite the misconception that sushi must contain fish or cod roe and soy sauce contains wheat, vegetarians and those who practise a gluten free diet are both as well catered for. Then, sushi being one of the world’s best foods to share and enjoy as part of a group, this means that Saké Restaurant & Bar The Rocks is the ideal place to head as a couple, family or with friends whilst in Sydney.
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You could say Shimpei Hatanaka was fated to wield a sushi knife – the Tokyo-born chef grew up cooking alongside his father, who ran a Japanese restaurant in The Rocks. Hatanaka now leads the entire Saké group, but The Rocks flagship is still the best place to experience the exacting standards he is setting for seafood. Take your pick of snapper, kingfish, sea eel and more, as sashimi or draped on a nigiri; or settle in for the tasting menu for plates such as delicate pearl meat ceviche, bite-sized spanner crab tarts and slabs of glazed Glacier 51 toothfish.
Discover The Rocks’ most delectable desserts
Even more delightful than the heritage location and colourful sake barrels that adorn the walls of Saké Restaurant and Bar is its dessert menu. Even once you’ve had your fill of tempura, sushi and sashimi, try the miso caramel chocolate fondant or ‘kit kat’ (white chocolate mousse with mixed berry jelly, hazelnut praline crunch and yuzu ice cream). The highlight, however, is the Dragon Egg, a dessert that truly looks like it’s come straight off the Game of Thrones set and takes 3 days to make.
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Harbour views take centrestage at this local favourite offering a seafood selection that doesn't care for the choice-a-phobic. Head chef Shoji Toru slices some of the most delicious sashimi north of the Bridge, and a 24-piece platter bright with kingfish belly, tuna, scallops and snapper is ideal for sharing with friends and fiano. The wharf-top terrace is highly convenient if you have a ferry to catch, allowing you to know exactly when your boat is on approach and probably missing it anyway.
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The Sake restaurant and bar is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney and has a very large, devoted fan following of patron customers. Returning customers aside, the restaurant draws in new waves of people every night owing to its well-established reputation. Whether you want a private dining experience or would like to dine with company, Sake has a place for you.Must try: The Saikou Salmon Shake (don’t worry its not an actual shake) is one of their most popular sushis.
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Sushi E, if I had to describe it, is a pinnacle of refined Japanese cuisine in Sydney, renowned for its exceptional sushi quality and elegant dining experience. As you ascend the stairs into its immaculate interior, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication. However, this level of refinement comes at a cost, with Sushi E being one of the city's most expensive a la carte sushi restaurants, where a single piece of nigiri can cost between $8 and $10.
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Saké restaurant is probably the best place to find contemporary Japanese cuisine in The Rocks. Each dish is made from fresh ingredients with a unique twist, and guests can enjoy an innovative culinary experience as the team combines modern Japanese flavours with classic ones in a quest to delight their tastebuds. Sake’s classic menu has everything you need, from their Himachi Kingfish with coriander-infused ponzu or their raspberry jelly goma.
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One of five iconic locations, Sake Restaurant & Bar Double Bay is one of Australia's best Japanese restaurants. A dynamic culinary experience, Sake brings Japanese culture to life through mouthwatering food creations like hiramasa kingfish with soy dressing and lime and jalapeno kosho. The venue has a distinctive flair that oozes style and sophistication, and with a range of dining options you can relax, entertain, or impress.
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Adding a little contemporary Western twist to Japanese cuisines, Sake at the Rocks creates a unique experience of two worlds displayed on plates!. Even as you enter you’ll see seating areas where you can sit on mats on the floor very much like traditional Japanese restaurants. For those who prefer not to be on the floor, there’s also chair seating areas at long tables for large groups and individual ones for smaller company.
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One bite of the kingfish jalapeno with yuzu soy and you'll understand why this is the signature dish of this excellent fine dining modern Japanese restaurant. The salty sweet slivers of fish are given a chilli kick that never overpowers — only compliments. Sake's original outpost (there are now others in Double Bay, Brisbane and Melbourne) is set into a heritage listed building in the tourist haven that is The Rocks.
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A post shared by Saké Restaurant & Bar (@sakerestaurant) on Feb 21, 2019 at 2:20pm PST. Sake Restaurant and Bar is a sophisticated establishment, from its decor to its menu. A warmly lit mural of red-lipped Asian women watches from above polished wooden tables, as you try Sake’s signature popcorn shrimp with yuzu chilli mayonnaise, or hiramasa kingfish with coriander-infused sweet ponzu, lime and jalapeño kosho.
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Sake's standard operating procedure is providing a sexy ambience, flashy fare, and breathtaking panoramas. This smooth operation can accommodate any size gathering, from quiet family dinners to loud parties. Celebrity chefs Neil Perry and Shaun Presland have collaborated on an innovative fusion cuisine that spans the gamut from classic Japanese dishes like sushi and sashimi to funky mashups of Asian flavours.
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With dim lighting and little nooks, Saké scores top points for its intimate dining setting. The chic designer interior sets the tone for the beautifully presented dishes to come and the Japanese cuisine leaves you feeling satisfied yet light. The signature dishes from the menu like popcorn shrimp and hiramasa kingfish are perfect for sharing, and the extensive saké list is way too inviting not to indulge.
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Saké restaurant is a Japanese restaurant with a modern twist, showcasing a variety of dining options for those who want to experience something different. From a full a la carte menu to chef’s selection banquets, Saké has something for everyone. Try the popcorn shrimp and hiramasa kingfish, perfect for sharing, or the Glacier 51 Toothfish, drenched in miso butter and wrapped in a banana leaf.
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With a number of branches now established, Saké Restaurant & Bar from the Rockpool Dining Group has earned a solid reputation for serving modern Japanese cuisine. They have three restaurants in Sydney and the reason they made our list is because of their sashimi selection. Other eateries also do impressive sashimi, but Saké do a very wide variety of fish, shellfish, crustaceans and roe.
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Location: 12 Argyle St, The Rocks, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9259 5656 For further locations, see website. We’re closing our look at the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney with the excellent contemporary establishment, Sake. Saké’s section of ‘new classics’ really gives a modern twist on traditional dishes, and the à la carte menu offers lots of gluten-free and vegan options too.
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You can eat next to the sushi bar, in the kitchen, or at the cocktail bar at Saké Restaurant, which is located in Sydney's Eastern suburbs. We recommend sitting near the sushi bar since you have the opportunity to witness firsthand the exquisite craft of sushi making. The cuisine here is meant to be shared and features sustainably sourced seafood harvested locally.
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What we love about Sake on Argyle Street is that they have an entire menu dedicated to dietary restrictions, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on offer. The menu consists of sushi rolls, miso soup, chicken karaage, lamb chops, duck breast, oysters, and heaps more. With the variety available, we always find something to satisfy everyone.
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A traditional Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist, this restaurant serves, of course, amazing sakes and is open for lunch, dinner and drinks. Diners can opt for a vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or no raw Japanese food choices. They have a full bar and could assist in your wine pairings for your meals.facebook.com/SakeRestaurant sakerestaurant.com.au
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With restaurants in The Rocks, Double Bay and Manly, there’s no denying that Saké is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney. Each of their three venues are elegantly styled with touches of Japanese designs flourishing the walls. Never disappointing, Saké is a flagship for authentic Japanese cuisine without the pretentious twist others may exude.
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Saké Restaurant & Bar provides a one-of-a-kind Omakase experience, offering contemporary Japanese cuisine in an elevated setting. With locations in Double Bay, The Rocks, and Manly, Saké delivers the finest sushi, sashimi and more with the authentic taste of Japan, perfect for those seeking a luxury dining experience.
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With 4 venues across Sydney pulling in hundreds of diners each day, Saké has earned sushi institution status. Picture this: cosy booths, bustling bars, a wall filled with sake barrels, and a fish counter that’s literally lit. Get ready for a wild ride of non-traditional Japanese food that’s totally elevated.
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Sake Restaurant & Bar in Sydney offers an exceptional Japanese dining experience. Known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine, this restaurant is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a quick bite in the town. The menu has a range of dishes complemented by signature cocktails and a progressive wine list.
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Offering the best Japanese fine dining in Sydney, Saké provides an authentic Omakase experience with Double Bay, The Rocks, and Manly locations. No matter where you are in Sydney, a taste of Japan awaits. Explore the flavours of Japan with expertly crafted dishes and a refined atmosphere.
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This Japanese restaurant on the Lower North Shore is known for its kaiseki banquet, a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, and their wide sake offering. Choose from either the $49 Kaiseki menu or go all out and order the $63 menu. À la carte options are also available.
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No visit to Sydney is complete without a meal at one of Sake’s iconic destinations. So why not experience its flagship restaurant at The Rocks?. Admire Japanese fusion features at every corner and enjoy Japanese menus designed with sustainable seafood to share.
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We start by suggesting one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Sydney, Australia, specialized in Japanese food. It is Saké restaurant, located in Argyle Street, in The Rocks. It is a paradise for gluten-free sushi lovers, also with options for vegans.
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Try the signature sashimi, popcorn chicken or wagyu skewers with sesame glaze – and don’t forget the sake and umeshu plum wine. Order via Uber Eats or for pick-up via Sake’s website. 33 Cross Street, Double Bay
This pastry chef can make more than 140 types of eclairs
His CV includes Sokyo, Est, Sake and Berowra Waters Inn, but it was at Sydney's Ananas, in 2012, where Scherrer's éclair-making marathons really began.
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