A new venue by Sonya Fitzpatrick of South Brisbane’s Hana Sushi, Moga is currently operating solely as a sushi train, with full restaurant operations scheduled to begin next weekend. The restaurant is modelled on the izakaya style of dining popular in Japan, with izakaya referring to bars that also serve food often shared amongst diners. Moga is one of only a few restaurants in Brisbane to offer this type of dining, and Japanese culinary traditions will continue with the installation of a binchotan grill. Binchotan burns three times hotter than normal charcoal, and is used to prepare robata cuisine of grilled meats.

When it is launched next week, Moga’s full menu will include share-dining options typical of Japan’s izakaya dens, as well as robata and classic meals with a slight French influence. Meals will be served in the casual outdoor dining area, while the sushi train will continue to operate indoors.

The restaurant’s name, Moga, means ‘modern girl’. Moga were Japanese women who adopted Western dress in the 1920s and 1930s, adorning themselves in the flapper fashions of the day. Images of these women are hung throughout the restaurant, and the interior of Moga was also inspired by the classic design of this period.

Sonya is also opening Red Jacket next-door to Moga in the coming months. The cafe will be a simple affair where visitors can pop in for coffee and cake.

Moga Izakaya & Sushi
Shop 2, 146 Baroona Road, Paddington
Ph: 07 3367 2808
Open: Monday to Sunday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm