Self-serve saki bar opens in North Sydney (and you can pour your own cocktails too!)

By ANNA USHER

The fun is back in North Sydney with the opening of Miji Bar & Grill, a Japanese Izakaya specialising in grilled seafood and serve yourself sake.

After working in hospitality venues across Asia, Miji owner Ian Ng says he found inspiration for his new venture in a grocery shop in Japan.

“There were all these sakes you could pour yourself. I thought ‘this is amazing’.”

With its flashing neon lights and floor to ceiling windows, Miji is the closest you’ll get to Tokyo in Sydney, with signage imported Japan, a replica Shinjuku Arch and a menu featuring traditional favourites like king crab, seafood rice, and hibachi.

“In Japan, Izakaya restaurants are everywhere. They are small cosy restaurants that serve good food and snacks until late to serve all the officeworkers working into the night Tokyo,” explains Miji’s Head Chef Jacob Lee.

“With Miji, we wanted to honour this authentic Japanese experience on a larger scale. To provide the same traditional food and flavours and drinks and experience but in a space where people from all walks can gather.

“Whether you’re an office worker up late, a group of friends catching up, or a family looking for an exciting dinner experience.”

Lee honed his culinary skills in New York, where he got his start in an Italian one-star Michelin restaurant, before moving to South Korea, where he helped restaurant Mingles gain a Michelin star of its own.

“Diners can expect a menu that focuses on the basics done properly, elevated with a creative twist,” he told Mosman Collective.

The showstoppers at Miji are the Rainbow Trout, Kingfish Crudo, and Kanimiso Okonomi, but the novelty here is enjoying a drink from the self-serve bar.

Pre-loaded with a selection of 24 wines, sakes and mocktails, a pre-paid membership card is used to tap, pay and pour.

“Those craving a quick drink & snack can simply stop by, pour their own drink, enjoy it at the bar and leave when ready – no need for a formal sitting. Just like in Japan,” Lee said.

“We really want people to leave feeling like they’ve experienced something new and exciting.”