Ren Ishii Restaurant — Restaurant in Sydney

In a town cloaked in mist and whispers, where the streets twisted like the tales of its inhabitants, there lived a woman with an unspoken yearning. She moved through her days with grace, her secret longing hidden beneath the veneer of routine. Her life, a tapestry of moments both mundane and profound, held a gap only she could feel—a craving not for love, for that she had in abundance, but for something far simpler, yet infinitely complex.

Her partner, a soul attuned to the unvoiced desires of the heart, watched her with thoughtful eyes. He knew of her passion not through words but through the silent language of shared glances and the unguarded moments when her guard would slip, revealing a glimpse of her inner world. He observed, waited, and planned, understanding that some quests were not to be rushed, but rather savored, much like the object of her desire.

The town, with its shadowy lanes and enigmatic residents, held secrets of its own. Among these was a place, nondescript to the uninitiated, that was spoken of in hushed tones among those who knew. This place, a sanctuary of sorts, was where the ordinary transcended into the extraordinary, where the mundane flirted with the sublime.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fire and gold, the husband took her hand. With no words, only a knowing smile, he led her through the labyrinthine streets. The air was thick with anticipation, and the town seemed to hold its breath as they moved, two figures enshrouded in the twilight.

They arrived at the threshold of the place few knew, yet many sought. The door, unmarked and unassuming, opened to reveal a realm where time and space seemed to fold upon themselves. Inside, the world was hushed, save for the soft clinking of tools and the gentle murmur of appreciation from those who had found their way here before.

Seated at a table that seemed to have been waiting just for them, the woman felt a stir of excitement, a prelude to the satisfaction she scarcely dared to anticipate. The air was laden with the scent of the sea, a promise of what was to come.

Then, with a flourish that belied the simplicity of the act, it was placed before her. A plate, elegant in its austerity, bore the object of her longing—salmon sashimi, a tapestry of pink and ivory, laid out with care that spoke of reverence for both ingredient and diner. The light caught each slice, turning them into translucent jewels, a treasure unearthed from the depths of the sea and brought to her through means mysterious and arcane.

As she took her first bite, the world around her faded, leaving nothing but the sublime union of taste and texture, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. In that instant, she understood the journey had been as vital as the destination, the seeking as important as the finding.

The husband watched, a silent guardian of her moment of bliss, knowing that some desires, when fulfilled, transcend the mundane to touch the divine. And in this town of shadows and light, of secrets whispered down alleyways, the mystery of the salmon had been revealed, not through words, but through the language of love and the artistry of those who understand that some things are...

I was excited to try this restaurant on my wife’s birthday. Unfortunately the owner of this restaurant made me feel anything but that. We felt ignored the entire evening by her. Although we were one of the first customers to arrive. For who knows what reason she was avoiding us the entire evening. She was greeting customers inside seating and even when she came to a table close to us, she turned her heel quickly and turned sharply away. This was right after we have paid the bill at our table. Refusing to even glance in our direction. I'm not sure if it's racism or because we have young kids. We had booked outside and there was no one else there the entire time we were there My kids had sat on a table when we first arrived in the outside seating area but were told immediately that was the wrong table and we have to sit at the far end. There was no one else sitting outside the entire time we were there. Why can't we sit where we chose? We were served by a friendly Asian looking waitress. Who was the only waitress apart from the one serving us food. We told the owner it was a birthday and we brought our own cake. Well to have the cake there it will cost $3 per person this includes children. Not written anywhere that I could see. Made up on the spot. Kids sushi maki was 2 types, tuna and salmon. Both raw and not written anywhere on the menu it was raw. When we asked the waitress if they have any cooked sushi roll. She said only the tempura prawn or soft shell crab. Which was $23. The waitress mentioned for the kids they can make either avocado or cucumber roll. Great, but when she came back after checking the price for us (assuming checking with owner) it was at $23 for one. Same price as the tempura prawn or soft shell crab roll. Absolutely ridiculous!! I can get 5 baby mini boxes at sushi hub for that price. Not a roll with 8 pieces!

The rest of the food was average but the price was over average. Towards the much higher end. Fine dining price but not fine dining food. Not authentic Japanese. Like a cross between Asian, sorta Japanese and pub food.

If the owner wants to avoid us coz we are asian appearance or because we have kids. Good luck to her business in Ramsgate. There is already competition here in Ramsgate round the corner for authentic japanese food. They are kid friendly and very welcoming. We have been to many Japanese restaurant and it doesn't cost anything to be nice. Or to say happy birthday.

Needless to say, I will not be returning to this place again. You have lost yourselves a customer but I don’t think the...

From the moment you walk into Ramsgate's Ren-Ishii, it's immediately aparent that this modern Japanese-Fushion eatery is much more than just your typical, run-of-the-mill neighbourhood restaurant. In fact, far from it. With a menu boasting insightfully crafted cocktails and inspired aromatic dishes compelling you to order at least 'one of everything'; it's simply impossible not to fall in love with this rare local gem.

Menu highlights include the crispy miso cauliflower tempura, teriyaki oysters (a weekly special) sashimi, and my personal favorite - roast duck served alongside a salad of wombok, apple, grilled grapes and blood orange nitsume. If this is enough to wet your appetite then be sure to wash it all down with one of their signature cocktails. The Geisha with Roku Gin, Cointreau and lychee liqueur is a great place to start.

Menu aside, the staff are welcoming, warm and attentive. Our water glasses were never empty and dishes were served at perfect pacing, while staff never seemed rushed or too busy to pre-empt each tables needs. The restaurant itself is lively, without being overtly noisy and feels well-established with a clientele of passionate regulars adding to nice banter and familiarity with staff.

All in all, Ren Ishii is a wonderful example of a small business nailing it while leading with creative flare, ideation and passion for product. It goes without saying that Ren-Ishii has established itself as local gem, well worth travelling from the further-most corners' of Sydney for.

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