Melbourne may have gained Il Mercato Centrale but Sydney has just welcomed a massive three-storey, six-venue Japanese precinct in the heart of the city. Prefecture 48 takes over the striking and historic Foley Brothers warehouse on Sussex Street and will explore the many faces of Japanese dining. 

From Tokyo-style robata grilling at Ibushi and too-pretty-to-drink cocktails in bar Whisky Thief on the ground floor, up to Japanese-Euro fusion at FIVE on level two, Prefecture 48 (also going by P48) is a game changer for the CBD.

The all-star roster includes respected names in hospitality, including ex-Tetsuya’s chef Derek Kim, who will run the theatrical kaiseki restaurant Garaku on level one, and pastry extraordinaire Aoife Noonan flexing at patisserie Dear Florence.

Level two’s Φmakase is overseen by sushi master Akira Horikawa and chef Tomoyuki Matsuya of Kame House, and will host just eight guests per sitting. The venue will also be a canvas for guest chefs to showcase their omakase skills to an intimate audience.

The mega venue is the latest expansion by Japanese hospitality group, Azabu  – whose portfolio includes Kame House, Charlotte Bar & Bistro, and shabu-shabu restaurant Hanasuki. 

Related story: Ready to roll? Here are Sydney’s best Japanese restaurants

The design for Prefecture 48 is inspired by the ‘Floating World’ – a time of prosperity and creativity during Japan’s Edo period – providing surreal spaces where art, theatre, nightlife and ceremony converge.

Executed by architecture firm Bates Smart, moody tones, dark-stained wood and gold accents flow throughout the entire venue, which has been meticulously restored to its Victorian-era grandeur – with some serious Japanese flavour.

Prefecture 48 is now open at 230 Sussex Street, Sydney. For more information head to the website.

Related story: Settle in for dinner and a show at Sydney’s best omakase restaurants