Oishi on Garema place in Civic is the latest Japanese restaurant to open their doors in the capital. The decor is a contemporary spin on traditional colours, with black lacquered flooring, spacious dark wooden tables (no elbowing fellow diners here!) and brilliant red accents such as lights and table caddies. The food philosophy here is clean, fresh and sustainable. All ingredients served to patrons are purchased and used on the day without exception – and the quality really shows.
For an entree we were served a delightful little tasting plate titled “Chuka.” Chuka had three components consisting of delicate Wakame strands sprinkled with sesame, thinly sliced scallops with a little chilli kick, and marinated squid with chilli and crunchy green beans. The taste was unbelievably big for dishes so small, and beautifully presented on crisp, contemporary white plating.
The Sashimi platter is something I will rave about until the cows come home. By far the freshest tasting I’ve ever encountered and the presentation was immaculate. Gleaming fleshy salmon rosettes, thick, dark pink steaks of melt-in-the-mouth tuna, slithers of pale, finely sliced kingfish cleverly positioned between acidic lemon wedges, translucent squid tubes stuffed with creamy salmon, soft coral prawns and a menagerie of artfully carved vegetables was an absolute joy to pick apart.
Yakitori arrived next and consisted of teriyaki marinated eggplant, caramelised onion, juicy chicken, prawns and creamy scallops all skewered ready for snatching up. Glazed a sticky golden amber and sprinkled liberally with sesame, the taste, juicy texture and presentation was all perfection
Oishi Rolls – The signature sushi of the restaurant – are to die for. Vibrantly coloured with the brilliant orange of glazed salmon, fiery red of crunchy tempura crumbs and cool green of wasabi, they are filled masterfully with soft sushi rice, seafood, avocado and cucumber. Even though there was a bit of resonating heat, the sensation and flavour is highly addictive and I would definitely return any day, just for those rolls.
The Tofu Salad was a welcome, light side accompaniment. Soft, creamy silken tofu was sprinkled liberally with sesame and served atop fresh, vibrant and crunchy cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shaved carrot and a spritely green and purple salad mix with pale golden dressing to the side.
Kuwayaki Duck – the show-stopper – was pan fried duck breast in a sweet potato nest with Japanese style potato salad. The Presentation was so impressive I did think twice about breaking the golden gossamer nest cradling the thick slices of juicy, crispy skinned duck, but the aroma of all the plated components was so intoxicating caving was inevitable.
For inarguably the best Japanese in Canberra, you must head along to Oishi. Their dedication to providing the best, freshest produce is inspiring, fun, and the quality is easily noticeable. The decor is open and welcoming, the music chilled out and the position ideal for anyone working in the city to stop by for a healthy and delicious dinner.
