Okawari House is all that and dim sum
Okawari House is all that and dim sum
There’s a grill-iant [alt: brill (or grill, as the case may be)] new option to get your Japanese fix (that thankfully doesn’t involve stalking the airline sales or remembering that mystery spot you stashed your passport for ‘safe keeping’). Arguably the Gold Coast’s fave dining precinct and all round place-to-be, Nobby Beach has just welcomed the aptly named Okawari House (Japanese for ‘second helping’, in case your Japanese is a little rusty). Here’s one more word you’ll be needing for your taste of Tokyo right here on the GC: ‘Oishii’, but plain old ‘yum’ works too – because these eats are ready to seriously wok your socks off.
When we say Okawari House is set to rice to the occasion amid some already fierce competition in the Nobby’s scene, we’ve got the receipts. Amassing adored GC haunts like Monopoly board hotels at family games night, Okawari House joins the Imlach Hospitality Group among Gold Coast dining royalty such as Bine Bar and Dining, Tank Bar and Dining, Hideaway and Night Jar.
The Gold Coast hospo king himself Scott Imlach, along with co-owner Simone Tunbridge set their sights on a brand new venture when the previous site of I Like Ramen became available within their beloved Nobby’s precinct. According to Scott, ‘it’s always been a bit of a dream to open a Japanese restaurant here on the coast because who doesn’t absolutely adore Japan’ (no one we know!) and after a whole lot of hard work, our tastebuds are the ultimate winners yet again.
If you weren’t already convinced you’d be walking out of Okawari House in a food coma, rounding out the dream team is head chef Takumi Nitta with a seriously impressive resume boasting some huge names among the Gold Coast dining scene: Ten, Sushi Room, Mr Hizola’s and Hideaway.
Though it’s not just your tastebuds that are set to be treated, because the interior has been designed to create an experience akin to stepping onto the streets of Tokyo without leaving Nobbys. Described as big, bright & alluring, it’s Japan meets GC with a pop art twist.
Now for the main event, bust out the chopsticks and prepare yourselves for a feast of epic proportions, with a menu that will leave you muttering ‘I can’t take my rice off of you’ (#awkward if you are on a date). On the flip side, the signature Okura Ume & Apple Yakitori & flaming wagyu mb8+ (marble beef score, if it’s been a while between wagyu’s) ishiyaki – aka stone grill, is one sure fire way to impress your date (or just anyone with tastebuds, tbh). And while you wait for the main event, nibble (or slurp) your way through crowd faves like edamame with chilli salt or miso soup.
We’re also going crackers for the raw selection – spicy salmon tartar rice cracker, wagyu tataki, kingfish ume shiso carpaccio, or just opt for the platter. If it’s crunch if you’re more in the mood for, don’t miss the agemono selections: prawn or vegetable tempura, chicken karaage or agedashi tofu. From the grill there’s some char-vellous delights to feast upon with options like bbq corn rib miso mayo, kamo duck red miso orange yuzu pepper and pork belly kimchi pickle.
Fold us up like a dumpling, because we are soy into everything Okawari House brings to the table. With a menu that’s serious fire, in an unbeatable location, one thing’s for certain, Okawari House won’t be gyoza-way anytime soon.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
When: Monday – Sunday 5pm – late
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Carly King.
