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14/20

Nom

Gyoza from Nom in Darlinghurst.
1 / 3Gyoza from Nom in Darlinghurst.Photographic
Mixed sashimi.
2 / 3Mixed sashimi.Dominic Lorrimer
Apple pie.
3 / 3Apple pie.Dominic Lorrimer
14/20

Nom Japanese

Japanese$$

Top-notch snacks inside a humble drinking den.

If you’ve never liked okra, you may have never eaten it tempura-style: a burst of bright-green crunch encased in lighter-than-air batter, without any of the vegetable’s occasional stickiness, and one of the many highlights at this tiny but welcoming izakaya.

Just like a tapas bar, small dishes are the go, from creamy potato salad topped with cod roe to more substantial serves such as plump deep-fried oysters, glazed unagi and flaky grilled mackerel. Natto omelette has a terrific umami boost and wonderful texture, and house-pickled vegetables shine.

Staff are happy to guide you through the drinks menu, too, a bonanza of more than 40 different sakes spanning sparkling to unpasteurised, and a range of shochu distilled from sweet potato, barley and brown sugar. Fun times.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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