The Neighbourhood Izakaya in Surry Hills
‘For Itō’s drinks menu, we wanted to compliment the food’s unique personality and the timelessness of the venue design. We have curated a cocktail list of Japanese inspired classic cocktails, a quirky selection of wines from Japan and Italy as well as some Aussie classics, and an extensive selection of sake,’ says Group Bar Manager at ESCA Group, Mark Anderson. Photo: Jiwon Kae
Agebitashi eggplant with tomato kaeshi and sesame. Photo: Jiwon Kae
Sashimi with ginger and wasabi, Hiramasa kingfish with white soy and cucumber and Spanner crab with chawanmushi, asparagus and ikura. Photo: Jiwon Kae
The interior is brought to life by Matt Darwon, the Itō personality is expressed through clean lines, bespoke Tasmanian blackwood furniture, leather furnishings, Japan-black stained floorboards, and pops of bold colour. Photo: Jiwon Kae
“Whilst my heritage is Italian, my passion is Japanese cooking – it feels natural to me to use a combination of the two as a vehicle for creating a really unique menu that is still very signature Japanese, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with Itō. ”
A key driver behind the architectural facelift was to ensure flexibility and engagement between inside and out, and the two internal levels within. Jiwon Kae
Aglio e olio spaghetti with garlic shoots and togarashi. Photo: Jiwon Kae
Chocolate purin with pear and mirin. Photo: Jiwon Kae
Across Japan is the izakaya – informal after-work bars, which are a haven for gathering and sharing a meal. In Kanji, izakaya directly translates to ‘stay-drink-place’ which is exactly the vibe emanating from Itō, a new restaurant from ESCA Group in Syndey’s Surry Hills.
‘We’re so excited to bring the community on Itō’s journey, to be an extension of the neighbourhood’s desire to reconnect and socialise, with delicious and exciting food at the centre of every occasion. We’ve been a part of the loving Surry Hills dining scene for close to a decade now, and for me, that felt like the perfect time to reinvigorate this iconic Surry Hills corner,’ says co-founder and executive director at ESCA Group, Ibrahim Moubadder.
Itō’s Italian head chef, Erik Ortolani, draws on his love for Japanese cuisine for the menu – a passion he has dived into since coming to Australia. ‘I’ve always been passionate about Japanese food, it wasn’t until I moved to Australia that I started to explore the art of Japanese flavours and techniques. Whilst my heritage is Italian, my passion is Japanese cooking – it feels natural to me to use a combination of the two as a vehicle for creating a really unique menu that is still very signature Japanese, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with Itō. Fresh seasonal produce, smart cooking, bright flavours,’ says Erik.
Itō’s drinks menu is perfectly complimentary to the food’s unique make-up, including an extensive collection of sake and a wine list celebrating Japanese, Italian and Australian drops. ‘We have curated a cocktail list of Japanese inspired classic cocktails, a quirky selection of wines from Japan and Italy as well as some Aussie classics, and an extensive selection of sake. There’s something for everyone, from the discerning drinker looking to explore or for the local casual sipper,’ says Group Bar Manager at ESCA Group, Mark Anderson.
The restaurant is located within the space of the much-loved former Cuckoo Callay. There are four seats along the raw bar for an omakase-style experience, but most of the 100 seats are located upstairs. Although the interior is faithful to pared-back Japanese decor, it also has pops of bold and fun colour. Architect Matt Darwon, who also designed restaurants, Aalia and Automata, injected a combination of clean lines, bespoke Tasmanian blackwood furniture, leather furnishings, Japan-black stained floorboards, and pops of bold colour, to modernise the overall aesthetic.
Itō 413-415 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
Lunch Wednesday - Sunday
12pm until 2.30pm (last booking)
Dinner Sunday - Thursday
5:30pm until 9:00pm (last booking)
Friday - Saturday
5:30pm until 9:30pm (last booking)