Themed on the electric atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo, Yamagen is shining the light on modern Japanese in a way that we’ve never seen before. The fit-out seamlessly combines the intricate nature of traditional Japanese styling with edgy, modern elements, to create a refined and cutting-edge venue. Much like the impressive interior, the food also blends the old-school traditions with innovative culinary techniques. It’s designed to be true to authentic Japanese tastes, but not necessarily true to format, which opens the door for some seriously next-level dishes. The menu, which has been crafted by chefs Yoshihiro Yamazaki, Mitsuo Yoshino, Kei Sato and Shintaro Kosugi, will be served across three unique dining spaces – the bar, the table-seki and the sushi counter. Those that frequented the restaurant in the past can rest assured that the new-look Yamagen has well and truly managed to retain its 30-year history, whilst taking a sophisticated step into the future with its innovative new offering.

The sleek Yamagen bar features more than 65 Japanese whiskies (those into Japanese whisky will appreciate the sheer enormity of that selection), top-shelf sake, a solid list of craft beers and Japanese beers on tap, plus an impressive collection of cocktails. The sushi counter, which seats just 15, is Yamagen’s exclusive dining space, where guests can experience an authentic omakase – a fresh stream of sashimi and sushi alongside delicate share plates. The sushi counter is an interactive space – you’ll be able to watch the chefs intricately slice, dice and prepare each dish, which will surely give you a new level of appreciation as you savour the elegant, hand-prepared plates. The 76-seat ‘table-seki’ space is Yamagen’s main dining area, which is where you’ll get the full dining experience. The menu features everything from sashimi tacos and crispy tempura bugs, through to delicious skewered chicken yakitori, pork belly and local haloumi with smoked honey, all served straight from the tosa binchotan grill. You’ll finish on sweet but subtle flavours with the likes of black sesame, chocolate, cherry blossom and coconut ‘pebbles’ and an unbelievable miso-caramel chocolate fondant, before retiring back to the bar for a Hibiki whisky, served neat (of course).

Yamagen at QT Gold Coast will officially open to the public on Friday July 28 – get excited, pals!

Head over to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and location.