Sushi in the Suburbs: Gochiso, Sydney

There really is something to be said for having a great ‘local’ – where you can get great food every day of the week, happily catch up with friends, and which doesn’t cost you and arm an a leg. Even better if the food happens to be from a reputable chef, and if the place looks anything but…well, suburban.

Gochiso, in Willoughby (in Sydney’s leafy north) is just that. Tasty, affordable and with a quirky fit-out, it’s part of a cluster of fantastic new restaurants and cafes that are opening in the area – including High St Bistro and Dose Espresso.

Right from the start, Gochiso looks like it’s going to be good. There are clever, hand-drawn illustrations on the walls, and colourful mounted light-boxes with snaps from the streets of Tokyo. Judging by this clever interior and cool, mismatched seating, it all seems pretty hip and happening.

Luckily, the food doesn’t disappoint. Loosely translated, ‘Gochiso’ is the phonetic translation of the Japanese character meaning ‘a feast’ – a promise that’s delivered by having ex-Sushi-Ya chef, Sang Lee, at the helm.

While Gochiso’s menu is certainly feast-like and very extensive (potentially a little concerning for a suburban place that offers plenty of raw fish), the food all appears – and tastes – fresh and vibrant. It’s also reasonably priced, and offers all the typical Japanese favourites – including an assortment of tempura, sashimi and sushi plates and sushi rolls. There’s a selection of yummy and innovative main meals, like tofu teriyaki, bento boxes, BBQ unagi (grilled eel with omelette) or for the more adventurous, grilled fish head with zucchini chips.

All up, Gochiso is a very pleasant and happening little local; one that’s certainly worth a visit even if you don’t happen to live nearby!

[All photos by the author]