Brisbane’s Hotel Indigo, one of the closest hotels to Kangaroo Point, gets a stylish new spot for grilled meat, sashimi, and drinks with the opening of Japanese restaurant Izakaya Publico.
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Izakaya Publico, as the name suggests, is an izakaya-style restaurant. Izakaya is a Japanese word which translates to “stay-drink-place” and is comparable to casual places where people would drink after-work, much like a pub or a Spanish tapas bar.
Interestingly, its accompanying bar, Bar 1603 which is located upstairs, was named after the year ‘izakaya’ was born, which was 1603 or during the Edo period in the history of Japan.
Like most izakayas, they have nama (raw menu), kushiyaki (skewers), robata (coal-grilled), noodles, tempura, and fried dishes curated by Executive sous chef Chris Jang and executive chef Sumit Batra.
Raw dishes, which come from the freshest of daily catches, include warayaki tataki, a hay seared market fish; maguro, a tuna sashimi served with wasabi and ginger; and kaki which is oyster with Tosazu jelly and chives.
Selections for the coal grilled robata skewers include teriyaki salmon, fried tofu, and pork belly.
The beverage menu covers beers on tap including a few from Japan, plum wine, Japanese whisky, highballs, sake, shochu, traditional cocktails, as well as spirits and Australian wines that you can order by the glass or by the bottle.
Izakaya Publico can comfortably seat up to 80 guests and offers a visually inspiring interior, with a highlight on traditional Japanese elements that bring a level of warmth and authenticity. There are oversized lanterns all throughout to provide elevated mood lighting across two floors.
There’s also striking artwork throughout the restaurant, painted by Sydney-based artist and illustrator Blends.
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To further spice things up, the restaurant is planning to add Japanese whisky dinners, a collaboration with Japanese guest chefs and origami classes in the future.
Izakaya Publico is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. They are located inside Hotel Indigo, at 35 Turbot Street, Brisbane.
