Sushi-mori — Restaurant in Sydney

(3.5 stars) While Sydney is still waiting for Gladys Berejiklian's over-time and over-budget light rail to be completed, Devonshire Street is finally looking less like a disaster zone, and more like somewhere you might actually like to go to lunch. One of the first new entries into the vacant shop fronts - casualties of the endless construction - is Sushi-Mori. In one of life’s little ironies, you’ll find it located next-door to a Japanese victim of the light rail construction, Eodoya. Pushing through the waving white flags (noren) you'll find a petite but nicely decorated lunch spot.

Charcoal walls are broken up with wooden detailing, paper screens and a colourful take on The Great Wave off Kanagawa (arguably Japan's most iconic artwork) where you'll see the snowy peak of Mount Fuji rising in the background. Blonde wood tables and stiff schoolroom style chairs populate most of the tiny restaurant’s footprint.

You’ll find most of your usual Japanese favourites on the menu, which does contain a few words that might not be instantly familiar. Hosomaki, for example, are thin sushi rolls, presented with the nori (seaweed) on the outside and usually just one filling; while futomaki are literally ‘fat-rolled sushi’. I found the Ocean Futomaki ($17.80) stuffed with raw salmon, tempura prawn, crab stick and avocado, a bit big for one-bite. Generously dusted with bright orange tobiko, and presented with a mild wasabi and pickled ginger, this eight-piece plate proved to be quite a substantial lunch.

Wasabi, soy and pickled ginger would have been a nice addition to the Seafood Salad ($15.80). The well-proportioned salad was kept wet and juicy with matchsticks of daikon radish and fans of thinly sliced cucumber. Topping the lightly dressed green leaves you’ll find tobiko, grated carrot, and sashimi offcuts from a number of different fishes. There are also crab stick rounds and cooked prawns, adding up to a pleasant, if mildly-flavoured lunch.

Slippery wheat noodles are kept as the focus of the Prawn Tempura Udon ($15.80) with a softly-flavoured broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Topped with eye-catching pink and white naruto, shallots and seaweed, and accompanied by two thin tempura prawns encased in a slightly dense batter, it’d make a decent winter warmer as the weather continues to cool.

Here’s hoping the advent of Sushi-Mori marks the start of Devonshire Street being returned to a pleasant and popular dining...

Absolutely unbelievable!! I love this restaurant but today has made me extremely upset.

I came in around 12:10 roughly and I ordered as I have before. My food arrived in 15 minutes and whilst I was eating and watching youtube. Around 12:30, this old lady in an apron comes up to me and says "can you finish your food quickly, please dont watch your youtube or tiktoks". I was pretty surprised so I just continued as I was.

Then she comes up to me again a few minutes later, saying "please hurry up and finish as we have a line outside and you are taking too much time". Shocked I questioned "why was i being rushed, this is unfair as I have not finished my food" I argued with her, she just kept saying "you do not need to take your time and watch tiktoks as you are taking up time for other customers". Whilst she did she took my food and my tray and made me leave without paying??

I'm shocked, what the hell was the point of all that??? Firstly I understand, if i took an hour or so, but it has been like 20 minutes since I came in and ate. How is that taking time?? If you needed the table back that badly, tell me you have a seating time and I'll finish up promptly. But this was not communicated to me!

Secondly, as a paying customer, I have not finished my food and I would still like to pay for my food? But taking my tray away and telling me to get out?? What was the point of all that? You lost money and a customer?? I dont see the logic behind kicking me out when I haven't done anything wrong.

Lastly, i want to say the 2 waitresses who served me were extemely helpful and did their job they didnt do anything wrong. But this old lady is was apparently the manager was super rude and is a shame on a nice establishment, i dont see the point in rushing me and telling me I cannot do what I want.

I've been to this place before, but I am not interested in coming back to this place as long as this...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this sushi-mori, and I must say it exceeded every expectation I had. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a warm and genuine welcome, instantly setting the tone for the evening. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy comfort. Soft lighting, tasteful décor, and the faint aroma of fresh seafood created an inviting setting that made me want to linger.

What truly sets this restaurant apart, however, is the quality of its food. The sushi here is nothing short of exceptional. Every piece was a delicate work of art—beautifully presented, expertly crafted, and bursting with flavor. The fish was incredible, with a natural sweetness that only the highest-quality seafood can deliver. The rice was seasoned just right, never overpowering, and each bite melted seamlessly in my mouth. I especially loved the chef’s special otoro rolls and bluefin tuna, which combined creativity with balance. They were bold without ever being gimmicky, showing real respect for traditional Japanese techniques while adding a modern twist.

Overall, this restaurant is a gem for sushi lovers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving quality Japanese cuisine, it delivers on every level. I will absolutely be returning and recommending...