PaperPlanes

PaperPlanes isn't your average Japanese. For starters, the ceiling is criss-crossed with brightly coloured skateboard decks and, yes, paper planes (origami-style, natch) float overhead. But the flavours are authentic and exciting, often taking traditional Japanese dishes and giving them a Bondi-style kick. So a kingfish carpaccio comes with jalapeno tempura, and beef short ribs are braised in yakiniku sauce until super-soft and served with pickled vegetables. Still, Jin Kung and her team know when to leave well enough alone, and choose to accompany a sushi roll of soft-shell crab tempura with the familiar flavours of avocado, shallot and wasabi mayonnaise. The staff are friendly without being over-familiar and will steer you deftly through the comprehensive menu. Thankfully, they'll nudge you in the direction of a green tea rocher stuffed with chocolate ganache and hazelnuts. Donuts, Japanese style? That's the kind of dessert kick we like.