Ishizuka brings the Tokyo vibe from the start with a bamboozling location involving unmarked entrances, buzzers and an elevator ride to the basement. There’s payoff for the navigation angst. Tomotaka Ishizuka’s serene 16-seater, its scene set with a paper-lantern room divider and textured concrete walls, offers a sublime 11-course kaiseki experience complete with thrillingly clear broths (a fine dashi with rock lobster), sushi made with toro from Japan, superb edamame tofu topped with scampi and fresh wasabi, and green-tea noodles with black truffle and soft-boiled quail egg. Service is reserved and respectful and, with two seatings, there’s an attractive shared experience feeling to dining here. Sharp drinks lists contain some real gems, best experienced through the drink-pairing option, though its generosity may have some opting for the no-alcohol choice.
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
