Sono Brisbane City

The Queen Street restaurant is definitely the conservative older sister in the Sono family, but she's proved to be very dependable over the years. The decor is not as flash as Portside, but a commitment to preserving the integrity of quality ingredients has never wavered. Corporate types know they can rely on attentive service from kimono-clad waitresses. Bento boxes emerge thick and fast from the kitchen, generously laden with savoury egg custard, miso, tender simmered pork belly and a choice of dishes such as deep-fried crumbed pork cutlets, or assorted tempura. For a more relaxed experience, settle in to a traditional booth and order from the extensive a la carte menu. Nabeyaki Udon is an exquisitely delicate dashi-soy broth served in a small pot with tender pieces of chicken, topped with crunchy tempura prawn and eggplant - a just-cooked egg suspended among the noodles, its yolk poised to break, combines silkily with the broth and transport diners to umami heaven.