Masuya, Sydney

Is there such thing as too much Japanese food?

In case you don’t know, I love Japanese cuisine.

In fact my threediningcompanions? They love it just as much as I do. So much so, that in the case for some of us, our friends have actually vetoed dinners if sushi was on the menu. So on one weeknight, us four gathered like little lost children to enjoy Jap without fear of reprisal from loved ones. We were like an unofficial support group for Sushi-holics Anonymous.

Our venue tonight was Masuya, a favourite amongst the group for their fresh, delectable and decently valued sushi and sashimi. Personally it’s my haven because of one little mocktail by the name of Mango Pretty. Oh yes, Mango Pretty darlings!

I would happily give up Coke to live on this refreshing blend of fresh mango, yoghurt and milk, honey and fresh lime juice. I usually order at least two – one to drink while perusing the menu, one for during the meal, one maybe for the road… It’s so good that both Steph and Linda immediately ordered it for their round 2s after being heavily seduced with just a mere sip.

Mango Pretty: fresh mango, yoghurt and milk, Tasmanian honey and fresh lime juice ($7.80)

When you have four sushi fiends, control must be exercised lest we inundate ourselves silly with food. For me, no matter what, sushi and sashimi are a must. If only I could live on sushi every day! Particularly if it was the incredibly moreish Teriyaki Chicken and avocado rolls. Such a pedestrian sushi variety but it’s one that Masuya does oh so well. I marveled at my restraint at not putting the leftovers in my handbag post-dinner (sushi makes for killer driving food).

King and Queen Platter: combination of assorted sushi and sashimi, including scampi, tuna, salmon, eel and teriyaki chicken avocado roll ($69)

I’ve never encountered any seafood at Masuya that was less than top quality so their sashimi platters are always worthy of a pig-out or two. I admit I’m an all-salmon, all-scallop girl but I can’t help but dig into the rest with gusto especially when they were this fresh. The colours of raw seafood were, as always, mesmerisingly beautiful. It’s amazing how Japanese food can reduce one into a lame love poet wannabe.

Sashimi Platter Special – scampi, scallop, salmon, hokki, kingfish & tuna ($58)

Steph’s favourite is always the Katsutama Pork Loin – a tonkatsu or fillet of crumbed pork that sits in a hotbed of tasty, sweet sauce and cooked egg. Tonkatsu is my firm favourite as well, especially in a ‘Katsudon’, so every bite was relished.

Katsutama Pork Loin: cooked tonkatsu pork with egg and onion sauce ($21.80)

Ellie also orders one of her faves of Kingfish Wing Nitsuke, cooked beautifully with the classic simple flavours of soy and ginger and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth flesh.

Kingfish Wing Nitsuke cooked with mirin, soy, ginger and served with tofu ($16.80)

Of course, we knew the previous four dishes were more than ample for four ladies but we’re talking Jap fiends here, remember? Linda and I exchanged sly glances before proceeding to order an extra dish of Tempura. The batter was light and gave out the slightest hint of crunch. Secretly, I love nothing more than to dunk my crisp tempura into the sweet accompanying sauce and getting the crunchy coating all soggy before devouring it.

Tempura Seafood ($19.80)

After a night of over-eating and fabulous conversation, we left more satisfied than we ever have been. Japanese cravings were well and truly satiated… until the next day that is. But too much Japanese food? No. Such. Thing.

Masuya Japanese Seafood Restaurant

Basement Level, 12-14 O’Connell Street
Sydney NSW 2000
(02) 9235 2717
(02) 9231 0038

Lunch: Mon to Fri 12 – 2:30pm (Last Order)
Dinner: Mon to Sat 6- 10pm (Last Order)
Sunday : CLOSED