UCHILOUNGE / O'Uchi — Restaurant in Sydney

Sydney has very few Japanese restaurants like this one. Uchi Lounge is truly a hidden gem, and I absolutely admire the owner’s hospitality and attention to detail. From the moment you walk in, you can sense their passion for fine dining and exquisite drinks.

The interior design is an elegant deep green, beautifully contrasted by vibrant reds—arguably the most controversial color combination, yet it creates an incredibly warm and inviting atmosphere. A few drinks in, and it’s easy to see why every guest in the restaurant is enjoying themselves so much. Honestly, I’d come here just for the drinks alone.

As for the food—every dish exceeded our expectations! Japanese cuisine pairs so well with alcohol that we kept ordering more. The 12 hrs Slow Cooked Beef Ribs was an absolute highlight, featuring a delicious smoky aroma and burning rosemary on top. The balance of sweetness and saltiness was just right, and the portion was generous enough to impress us.

A close second for me was The Smoked Duck Truffle Ramen, with an incredibly rich black truffle broth that made me crave a second bowl the moment I finished the last noodle. The Mixed Sashimi Carpaccio was a fantastic starter, but what really stood out was the unique sauce—honestly, I think anything paired with that dressing would taste amazing!

For the curry, we opted for the Miso Eggplant Curry, which was so rich in miso and cheese that it tasted almost like a meat dish. If you're a fried chicken fan, definitely try their Katsu, generously topped with creamy mayo—it's the kind of indulgence that makes you feel like you’re in heaven. We ended our feast with the House-made Pickles, a refreshing way to cleanse the palate.

It is a true izakaya hidden in the city, with no branches. Even with a line out the door, I get the feeling that the owner isn’t interested in growing into a chain—and I love that kind of philosophy when it comes to running a restaurant.

On top of everything, they offer many gluten-free options and have carefully adapted fusion dishes with customized broths—it's all in the details, and that’s exactly what wins me over. I am completely obsessed...

So I saw the Instagram post and thought I shall come give it a try, and I was genuinely a little disappointed. I wonder how much I can try Instagram even really~

Parking aside I was asked to give up a table and move to the bench, the food was mediocre at best.

I was there for some nice Japanese - albeit fusion - food, but in exchange I got some overcooked beef ribs that was served with some baby spinach on Raman. Even if I ignore that the spinach is very non Japanese (yeah I know we are fusion here), the greens really did not fit the soup flavour. I’d almost say it clashed with the broth and it would have been way better if bamboo shoot or seaweed was included instead. It felt like a case of really trying too hard on being fusion and moved away from what could have been the natural pair

The beef rib did fall off the bone but the been lacked flavour and it was genuinely overcooked in part which definitely took away the experience. I can imagine it if was done to perfection it would have been great.

The soup base did taste nice I’d give it that, but the noodles felt a little Japanese instant package. All in all the price tag just weren’t justified and hence the ratings.

The chicken noodle was decent but it was very very oily. And the same comment about the greens chosen applied.

I might try again some time for bento and other cool stuff on Insta to see if my mind changes. But for the meantime it’s a solid 3 (especially given the price).

Obviously taste is a subjective thing and your opinion and mileage...

Such a cute little restaurant with delicious organic and dietary friendly fare to boot. It was very busy and noisy when we went, unfortunately, which meant that service was a bit slow and I do prefer quieter venues. However the food more than made up for that with beautiful presentation and delicately balanced flavours.

We had a sashimi carpaccio (brilliant; love the yuzu granita), smoked mackerel (missing the pickles mentioned on the menu, but smokey and lovely nonetheless), and chicken ramen with scallops (unexpected combination but meant to be!). I also had a lovely iced shochu and my friend’s yuzurella mocktail was insanely good.

A note of feedback though: they fry their gluten free karaage in the same oil as gluten containing foods. This can make me sick so I was very disappointed to hear that. It is great that the staff make sure to tell you, however I do wish they could spare a second fryer for truly gluten free fried foods 😞

Overall, it felt like fine dining without the price tag or pretentiousness. The staff are warm and friendly. I can’t wait to return and work my way...