Concrete Playground

We've come to expect a little more from a Japanese restaurant than simply delicious teriyaki. Japan is all about aesthetics, so why not Japanese dining experiences? Sometimes, though, those animated order screens are a little too intense. This is where Wa steps in.

More Hokkaido than Tokyo, Wa's interior is all pale wood and marble, with everything minimal and in its right place.  The true gem however, is the courtyard. Seated amongst greenery and delicate dried fronds, you can pick a table and pass the time watching the large screen flick through peaceful moonlit landscapes. The atmosphere is perfectly balanced and as unobtrusive as the service.

The menu offers an enviable range of choices, authentic dishes retouched slightly to make the most of fresh Australian ingredients. My picks are the Miso Eggplant, with hearty halves of eggplant and a delicious blend of two sauces, and the Agedashi Mochi, sticky rice balls in agedashi sauce. A comprehensive set menu is an alternative to picking and choosing, offering six courses with options. Vegetarians will also be at home, with loads of dishes to choose from or a set menu of their own.

Alcohol is BYO but with a bottle shop right next door, this isn't an inconvenience. The only tricky part, in fact, is making sure you get a table. I'd recommend booking, particularly if you're looking to bring a group.