Kaiza Newtown | Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Sydney

A Remarkable Symphony of Flavors: Chef Jason Nguyen's Extraordinary 12-Course Omakase at Kaiza Izakaya Newtown Prepare to be transported to culinary nirvana as you embark on a gastronomic journey like no other, guided by the brilliant artistry of Chef Jason Nguyen at Kaiza Izakaya Newtown. The 12-course omakase experience offered by Chef Nguyen is nothing short of extraordinary, leaving diners in awe of his culinary prowess and his ability to create culinary masterpieces that tantalize the senses. From the moment you step foot into Kaiza Izakaya Newtown, you are greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for the dining experience that lies ahead. The attentive and knowledgeable staff make you feel right at home, and their genuine passion for food and impeccable service only heighten the anticipation for what awaits. As the omakase journey begins, you are immediately captivated by Chef Nguyen's meticulous attention to detail. Each dish that emerges from the kitchen is a work of art, showcasing his deep respect for traditional Japanese techniques while infusing his own creative flair. The freshness and quality of the ingredients are evident in every bite, showcasing the commitment to excellence that Chef Nguyen embodies. The progression of the 12-course omakase is a well-choreographed symphony of flavors, showcasing a harmonious balance between simplicity and complexity. From the delicate and flavorful sashimi to the perfectly seasoned nigiri, each course builds upon the last, taking your taste buds on an exquisite rollercoaster ride. The umami-rich broths, the melt-in-your-mouth slices of fish, and the expertly grilled meats leave you craving more with every bite. Chef Nguyen's culinary creativity shines through in every dish, as he skillfully combines traditional flavors with innovative techniques. The interplay of textures and the layering of flavors demonstrate his deep understanding of the ingredients and his ability to push boundaries. It is evident that each plate is a labor of love, meticulously crafted to surprise and delight even the most discerning palates. Throughout the dining experience, Chef Nguyen's passion and expertise are palpable. His genuine enthusiasm as he presents each dish, explaining its origins and inspirations, adds an extra layer of appreciation to the meal. The personalized attention and care he bestows upon each guest make you feel truly honored to be a part of his culinary world. By the time the twelfth and final course arrives, you are left in a state of awe and utter satisfaction. The omakase journey with Chef Jason Nguyen at Kaiza Izakaya Newtown is an unforgettable adventure that showcases the epitome of culinary excellence. The memories of this extraordinary dining experience will linger long after the last morsel has been savored, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and beauty of Japanese cuisine. If you seek an extraordinary dining experience that transcends the boundaries of taste and transports you to a realm of culinary enchantment, do not hesitate to embark on Chef Nguyen's 12-course omakase at Kaiza Izakaya Newtown. Prepare to be astonished, inspired, and forever changed by the sheer brilliance of...

Tucked away on King Street in the vibrant heart of Newtown, Kaiza Japanese Restaurant is a modern gem that blends traditional Japanese flavours with bold, creative flair. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting, cozy atmosphere that set the tone for a wonderful dining experience. The interior decor is contemporary yet intimate, with tasteful lighting that creates a calming ambience perfect for date nights or small gatherings. The soft glow from pendant lights, stylish wood and stone finishes, and minimalist yet thoughtful design choices give Kaiza a sense of understated elegance. Despite the bustle of Newtown outside, the restaurant feels like a tranquil escape. We kicked things off with cocktails, and they were a standout. The Kaiza Energy was refreshingly zingy, while the Cocky Fiz brought a playful twist with a vibrant, balanced flavour — both are highly recommended. For starters, each dish arrived beautifully plated and packed with flavour. The edamame with spicy prawn salt offered a zesty, addictive beginning. The Wagyu Intercostal wrapped in Betel Leaf was a textural delight, with the roasted peanut and pickled ginger playing off the richness of the beef. The Toothfish Tart with its spicy tamarind miso and pickled morning glory delivered a punch of umami with a tangy edge. One of the unexpected highlights was the Crispy Eggplant, with shiro miso and spicy furikake layered over rice puffs — comfort food elevated to a refined, exciting level. The Hokkaido Scallops, topped with mentaiko mayo and black tobiko, were fresh, silky, and brimming with savoury depth. Moving onto mains, the Grilled Lamb Ribs with yuzu miso and broccolini were the only slight letdown of the evening — while flavourful, the meat was a touch tough and the sauce leaned a bit too sweet for our tastes. Similarly, the Crispy Fried Rice with teriyaki chicken had a sweetness that overpowered some of the other elements. That said, both dishes were still enjoyable and beautifully presented. For dessert, we tried the Matcha Cheesecake. While the flavour was pleasant, the texture was on the drier side and could have benefited from a creamier consistency. Service throughout the night was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Staff were genuinely enthusiastic and eager to explain dishes or offer recommendations, contributing to the warm and welcoming vibe. Overall, Kaiza is an excellent spot for lovers of modern Japanese cuisine looking for a relaxed, stylish setting with top-tier service. The majority of dishes hit the mark in both flavour and presentation, and the cocktails alone are worth the visit. We’ll absolutely be back — and highly recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy a unique and delightful dining...

We had a truly wonderful dining experience at Kaiza. The food was not only beautiful to look at, but absolutely bursting with flavour. The Japanese-Vietnamese fusion adds a unique twist to each dish, borrowing the best elements from both cuisines to create something so delicious, it feels sinful.

We began with the edamame with spicy prawn salt, which was a fantastic starter—especially with guests arriving from 7pm. It paired perfectly with a bottle of sake and set the tone for the evening.

Next up was the NZ salmon, which was so fresh and delicately balanced with the tomato broth and dill oil. I could happily return just for this dish on a warm evening out on the terrace—it’s that refreshing.

The wagyu tataki was absolutely sublime. I found myself shamelessly running a finger across the empty plate—if no one was watching, I would’ve licked it clean! The wagyu was melt-in-your-mouth tender, like butter.

The mix sashimi was an explosion of flavour—so, so good. And the Hokkaido scallop? That was my personal favourite. Rich, perfectly executed, with those pops of tobikko—perfection. I’ll be ordering a full plate next time.

By the time the king prawn mayo came out, most of my party were full, which meant I got a few extra—lucky me! Sweet, crunchy, with a subtle hit of truffle. Delicious.

The crispy eggplant was earthy and umami-rich—absolutely finger-licking good (literally). And the Brussels sprouts? These are the kind you serve your kids to convince them sprouts can actually be great.

The grilled lamb ribs were tender, zingy, and full of flavour—nom nom indeed.

We also tried the toothfish tart from the add-on menu, which felt like pure luxury—rich with a tangy-sweet punch.

To drink, I had the raspberry mocktail, which was incredibly refreshing and balanced the richness of the food perfectly.

A few practical notes: • Toilets are unisex and clean. • The venue itself is a little narrow and might be challenging for those with accessibility needs. • Parking in Enmore is a nightmare, so plan ahead.

Service: The staff were warm and friendly, though not always as attentive as I’d hoped. I was left with an empty glass a few times while others at the table were drinking alcohol. We also had to remind staff about a few items—but they were so lovely, it’s hard to hold it against them.

This isn’t fine dining—it’s casual, warm, and buzzing with personality. Highly recommend if you’re after something unique, flavour-packed, and a...