Nuzzling up to its new neighbours Mighty Mighty, Flaming Olive Restaurant + Bar, Papa Jack’s, Gordita and Locanda Osteria & Bar, M&A’s latest resident is bringing a taste of Japan to McLachlan Street. Brought to you by the team behind Ginga and Bamboo Basket, Nikuya has taken its name from the Japanese term for ‘meat shop’ or ‘butcher’, and it’s certainly living up to its promise with premium-grade meat, fresh local seafood and free-range, corn-fed chicken. While the ground-level izakaya opened in September, the upper-level yakiniku Japanese barbecue has only just opened its doors, offering two private function rooms and DIY table-top grills.

Downstairs, the menu focuses on bar food, perfect for lining a stomach tempted by traditional sake and Japanese beer on tap. Graze on an artfully curated plate of sashimi, a selection of sushi or the signature tonkatsu dish, which sees Panko-crumbed kurobuta pork dipped in the house sauce. After a courage-building Japanese whisky or two, venture upstairs to try your hand at grilling your own. Tender wagyu beef is served in a variety of cuts, from oyster blade to sirloin steak, while mixed platters incorporate pork belly, scallops, calamari, vegetables and chicken. Guests can also validate parking in the building for up to four hours when they dine at Nikuya.

For contact information and trading hours, check out our Stumble Guide.