Having nailed their West End late-night yakitori venue in 2013, Marie and Emi set their sights on expanding to Brisbane’s entertainment precinct with a tweaked Bird’s Nest Yakitori & Bar concept. The duo sought to open a venue that catered more to couples and small groups in a refined bar-meets-restaurant-setting, with an easy to navigate menu and larger drinks component. A space has been hollowed out off Ann Street for the venue, which boasts a chic interior aesthetic created by acclaimed Japanese designer Katsuya Iwamoto. The bar and kitchen dominates one side of the venue, while a curved bamboo feature wall extends along the other side. Soft down lighting cascades to the cosy tables, which are suitable for intimate dinners.

Those accustomed to the fare in West End will notice a few immediate differences on the menu, though the flavours of traditional Japanese yakitori remain. Bird’s Nest Yakitori & Bar’s offering is scaled back to a concise selection of small plates, with patrons encouraged to pick a selection and share – tapas style. Patrons can sample the likes of grilled chicken tenderloins, pork belly with bocconcini, shitake mushrooms with ponzu vinegar and, of course, yakitori meats. Emi and Marie have curated a selection of wines with help from OTTO Brisbane’s sommelier Alan Hunter and have also obtained the services of a specialist sake sommelier. Between 15 and 20 sake varieties will be on offer, in addition to Japanese beers, wines, whiskies and Bird’s Nest own cocktail recipes.

Bird’s Nest Yakitori & bar will be open early next week. In the meantime, get acquainted with the finer details in the Stumble Guide.