Zen Sushiya

You’ll find secret rooms and exceptional sushi at this unassuming spot on Princess Parkway. 

In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn, complete with its tatami rooms, private areas sectioned off with ‘shōji’, sliding paper screens.

This family run spot – mum in the kitchen, daughter-in-law running the front-of-house – is a true gem, serving up classic Japanese dishes either a la carte or omakase style, where the chef is in charge of what lands on the table.

Either way, it’s a treat. Fresh sashimi and sushi rolls arrive on a wooden boat for a theatrical flourish, while specials often feature dishes to turn the head – like A5 wagyu beef draped over sushi rice and torched, or seared foie gras.

When it comes to the art of fish and rice, they have it nailed. Dragon rolls, California rolls, nigiri, hosomaki, as well as artfully sliced sashimi and more adventurous options such like their spicy salmon volcano, all showcasing creativity and precision.

Elsewhere, there are okonomiyaki pancakes, the speciality of Hiroshima, stuffed with seafood and served with shavings of smoked bonito flakes waving a greeting, as well as steaming bowls of udon noodles and ramen.

Settings don’t come much more urban than this, the constant hum of traffic from the arterial A5103 thundering past at all hours of the day and night.

But in the Zen Sushiya tatami rooms, you could be a world away.