Jimmy’s Kitchen (Bay Nine Sydney) — Restaurant in Sydney

Bay Nine Omakase - Literally (and Figuratively) Rocks!

As part of the many new restaurants opening within the Waterfronts on The Rocks, one not to miss is Bay Nine Omakase! With a beautiful heritage backdrop for the theatrics of Omakase, the Chefs brings old and new to this Japanese Artistry Cuisine.

Omakase Menu - $195 per person

Although we didn’t know the background of the inception of the restaurant (i.e. Tomohiro Oguro) we had a wonderful dining experience led by Chef Yul and Mary and without a doubt, we were thankful. In true Omakase form, everything was left to them and it was one where our palette had left on an adventure.

Similar to a fine dining experience, I try to avoid showing photos (even though I took many) as with Omakase, not one dining experience is similar. As explained by Chef Yul, he determines what can be source so that he can highlight it in his menu for the evening so let that be a surprise! We were lucky enough that he had FRESH Bluefin Tuna and also, his personal favourite Imperadar. Whilst Chef Yul demonstrated his techniques within the traditional craft of the raw dishes - balancing the complexity of the fish with the condiments, Chef Mary covered the cooked dishes. Her creativity and experimental dishes was the tipping point that won us over - the dishes that came out, her upcoming dishes, and just the collaboration of the two, had us wanting more.

Note: The days leading up to the restaurant was when I had noticed the negative Google reviews and to be honest I was concerned however, I must say that my experience was not as mentioned. It’s possible that the restaurant had read the feedback and improved as the wait staff were very attentive, they were able to explain dishes, they were courteous of our belongings and even tucked us in the seats. As for the reviews about the food, then I have thought of a tip!

Tip: As it’s an Omakase and we leave it up to the Chefs, it’s hard to determine what we get. What I noticed is that within the season (from IG photos) is that there are a few common dishes within the Omakase, so within the time of your cancellation period (At this stage 72 hours), give the restaurant a call to check out their items on the menu to see whether it’s towards your taste!

I hope this helps gives a better experience as it’s a young restaurant that has great potential! I continue looking forward to it!

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Will return! -...

From the moment we made our reservation through Rose at reservations, the experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Navigating through the meticulous arrangements of our booking, Rose ensured that our visit, coordinated through Luxury Escapes, unfolded seamlessly. Her attention to detail and commitment to accommodating our needs set the stage for what turned out to be a remarkable evening.

As we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm, setting a delightful tone for the rest of our dining journey. The service was prompt and courteous, with every member of the staff going above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the meal. It was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish exuded culinary excellence, leaving our taste buds tingling with delight. However, if I may offer a humble suggestion, a small addition of vegetables or sides with the steak could elevate the dining experience even further. While the meat was cooked to perfection and paired beautifully with a jus and herbs, a touch of greens would have added that extra layer of satisfaction.

What truly stood out for us was the absence of a time limit on dining. In a world where rushed meals have become the norm, it was a breath of fresh air to indulge in a leisurely dining experience, savouring each moment without any pressure.

In conclusion, our experience at Harbourside surpassed all expectations. From the impeccable service to the delectable cuisine, every aspect of our visit was met with excellence. We left feeling not just satisfied, but immensely grateful for the unforgettable memories created within those walls. Thank you to the entire team for a truly remarkable...

Came here with my family to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant has a nice vibe, and quiet. The chefs were generally friendly, a little less chatty compared to some other omakase restaurants which I've been to. The produce was fresh and generally tasted okay. We had the more junior chef, and there were some inconsistency with the nigiri. Sometimes too salty, other times wasabi was too much. The tempura dish was cooked perfectly, with light batter and the other non nigiri dishes were cooked well (with the chef talking about experimenting flavours). Overall, it was acceptable.

Unfortunately, there were some major flaws with the wait staff. Our drink menus were left on the table, even when the courses began, whilst no one asked about the drinks. The cup of water didn't get filled until the 4th course started. Towards the end of the meal, the table was also completely cleared but the dessert was served with no cutlery. What was worse was when clearing the table, my guest was actually drinking from her tea cup, and the wait staff - without asking - tried to pull the cup away from my guest's hand, in order to clear the table. That is beyond acceptable.

Overall this place is ok, with some keen and passionate chefs. Can't say that it meets traditional Japanese elements, but more contemporary (in terms of techniques, flavour and general chef greetings). However, the key is more training and attentiveness is required for the wait staff. As a result, far below my expectation for the demographics which the restaurant is targeting for.

It is though, still...