Katsu Yachiyo - Surry Hills

This small restaurant is very authentic. I went with a small group and we were made to feel welcome straight away. We started with authentic Suntory Malts beer, imported from Japan. The owner took the time to explain the menu to us then brought a large platter with a variety of whole fish to the table and explained the differences between each. Some, he explained, were good for tempura or karaage, some are best grilled, etc. We ended up choosing a grilled whole snapper which was delicious. Sushi and sashimi were both fantastic and the soy sauce is thick and rich. The prices were very reasonable - the five of us ate very well and paid around $40 per person, including the Suntory beer. It is right next door to another Japanese restaurant. Highly recommended.

Don't let the dark interior dictate your impression on the quality of the food. And it's difficult not to seeing there is a well spec'd out Japanese restaurant next to it with lines of Asian families and boomers all splashing cash in it.However the chefs in this restaurant work tirelessly. Pushing the boundaries just like the Gen X and Y as we grapple the escalating living costs by innovation.Like wise you can taste the effort made by the three chefs.Fig tempura? Yes it's one of those experimental items on the menu, perhaps seasonal. It's pictured. It is a must must have. Their fig jam goes so well with the fig tempura , it's a surprise that one would even think this exists let alone taste so good. It's not a novelty item and one that everyone must try.The sushi was great, seasoned well with great umami. You can tell the chef has an amazing taste palette to be able to match local ingredients to sushi.Lastly the Waygu hot pot. Nuff said.All in all... You might walk past this place and compare the two and think the restaurant next door is better but you're certainly going to miss the amazing modern Japanese that infuses multicultural tastes and inspiration. However if more people eat at the restaurant then I'm sure there would be more money to be spent to renovate the place. But for now... Great place and worthy of your money!!!

We were actually meant to go to the restaurant next door but wound up in Katsu instead. Lucky me! Really great service from the time we sat down, awesome menu (mostly for sharing), loved that the kitchen had dub music playing!! We had the salmon sushi, spider tacos, the melt in your mouth lamb and mash croquettes (instant hunger!!) and the special of the day, whole snapper. Throw in a couple of glasses of wine and we still only spent $40 each. Absolute treat.

Great little place in Surry Hills. Genuine Japanese dishes beyond sushi. Cost atmosphere and friendly staff. Their hot pots are delicious

Always walked past and been intrigued & but the bullet last night and went. I must say I was very pleasantly surprised as the food - every bit of it was oozing flavor and detail to presentation. Yum yum yum! Miso cod was unbelievable and do was the pork belly cooked for 2 days. Will definitely come my favorite local. Mid to high $$