If the lunch time crowd on Saturday, Gochiso’s first day of business, is anything to go by, the new Japanese restaurant on Willoughby’s High Street is filling a much-needed gap in the market.

The interior is pared back modern Japanese style and is the work of the owners, husband and wife team, Sangmin Lee (chef) and Yoonjee Chae (front of house). Personal touches from the pair are everywhere – from the enormous illustrations on the walls, to the sartorialist-style photographs shot by Sangmin on the streets of Tokyo and printed on canvases. Sangmin made the light shades and Yoonjee created small wooden motifs and decorations from off-cuts from the fit out.

The literal translation of ‘Gochiso’ is feast and the restaurant’s name is supported with generous servings of high-grade ingredients at a reasonable price. The menu features traditional crowd favourites like chicken teriyaki and pork katsu bento boxes. More curious diners will enjoy dishes like the Fantastic Roll (seared salmon sashimi on top of cooked tuna and avocado roll with spicy mayo, parmesan cheese, teriyaki sauce and fish roe) or Kingfish carpaccio served with ground jalapeno peppers which give a decent, momentary kick to the palate.

Sushi-loving kids will also be happy – there’s a kids menu complete with the fun to say (and good to eat) Yum Yum Box or Mini Me Sushi.

For the complete Japanese dining experience, there are Japanese beers like Sapporo and Asahi and 8 different sakes to work through.

Gochiso is tucked into a courtyard alongside award-winning Dose Espresso and the site of ‘The Italian’ due to open soon. This end of the Willoughby is one to watch – get in quickly to Gochiso before word of how good it is hits the high street.

Location: 183 High Street, Willoughby
Phone: 9958 3351
Hours: Everyday Lunch 11am-2:30pm| Dinner 5pm-9:30pm
Details: phone ahead to book