When that steamy Queensland weather settles in, all we want is fresh, vibrant, delicate flavours and few things tick the box quite like sushi. The biodiversity of Queensland’s waters also means that when we fancy sashimi, it’s going to be some of the best out there. From the top end down to the border, these are the best spots to get a sushi fix in Queensland, as crowned in the delicious. 100.
Traditional sashimi and nigiri are just part of the many offerings at this GC izakaya. At the L-shaped 15-person bar, the sushi masters prepare the best of the day’s catch in a never-ending parade of generous bites. While spicy Queensland spanner crab tops crispy rice, there’s also barbecue eel, salmon, kingfish, salmon belly, ocean trout and more. QT Hotel, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise; yamagen.com.au.
In a meticulously designed room at the Calile Hotel, sushi is elevated to a swanky art form. Only market-best produce, specially selected shoyu and the world’s finest Koshihikari rice are transformed into sushi and nigiri. Wagyu foie gras and caviar Toro Toro sushi rolls might be at the top end. A simple tamago (Japanese omelette) is a bargain bite. 48 James St, Fortitude Valley; sushiroom.com.au.
Cairns loves Wawawa Izakaya’s old-school nigiri – a tasty mix of salmon, kingfish, tuna, scallop, lightly seared aburi salmon, and the day’s fish with real wasabi. Sushi rolls include a vegan deluxe number with shiitake, wakame, pickled radish, avocado and bean curd. And for those who like it spicy, yellowfin, crunchy cucumber and sesame seeds get a touch of Japanese chilli. 92 Lake St, Cairns; wawawa.com.au.
In the relaxed and intimate Kappo style, 10 diners watch chef/owner Giles Hohnen prepare each dish. This isn’t your average suburban ginger and wasabi joint. While sushi is only a tiny part of the omakase menu, it is sublime. Blow-torch seared mackerel oshi-sushi, yellowfin tuna nigiri, coral trout, and octopus chirashi sushi are mind-blowing. The Pavilion, 19-21 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads; sumiopenkitchen.com.au.
An elegant omakase experience showcases the craftsmanship required to produce artisanal sushi. The addition of gold leaf or Australian winter truffle (during season) adds a luxe touch to sushi that is anything but everyday. Baked king crab leg sushi, northern bluefin tuna toro sashimi and aburi scampi with scampi caviar and shiso paste nigiri are highlights. Emporium Hotel, 267 Grey St, South Brisbane; takashiya.com.au.
