Toko @ Surry Hills

So not long ago I attended an engagement party -- congrats again Stephen & Lisa!

The environment there is very modern, dimmed lighting, open layout, and we had our own private area which was really good! Waitresses were walking around in the beginning of the night politely and friendly asking us what drinks we wanted. I believe from the moment you step into a restaurant the service you get from the get go and the ambiance, really determines how the night is going to be.

7 O'clock and we were all ready to begin the feast! We were situated amongst 20 guests, on one long wooden table with arranged seating. And then I heard that it was going to be a 13 course Banquet! My two thoughts were, "man we're going to be here forever"-- this coming from my bad experience at Tetsuya (will backtrack for you guys) and "I have to prepare my stomach for this".

The food just came out so quick.. Pictures and descriptions below..

Our cute name tags

nama gaki no tosazu to issho ni

freshly shucked pacific oysters, tosazu

This was seriously the best oysters I've had. It was just so fresh and simple!

miso taru taru

daily special tartar with miso

Have never had anything like this before. The zucchini gave a pleasant crunch with the Salmon

gyuniku no tataki

seared beef, pickled onions, mizuna, garlic chips

This was okay, different and full of flavour as well

uzura no karaage

shaved bonito fried quail

Very juicy! And the outside had a very nice crisp

omakase

assorted fish from chef’s best selection of the day

Do I need a description? One word. Fresh!

toko signature nigiri

chef’s selection of nigiri

Melted in my mouth!

watari-gani no karaage

crispy soft-shell crab, wasabi mayonnaise

This was kind of bland.. felt like the mayonnaise didn't do it any justice

hotate no jalapeno amazu zoe

robata grilled scallop, sweet pickled apple, jalapeno

The boyfriend loved this, i recall him saying "it was one of my favourites"

kohituji to yasai suzuke zoe

marinated lamb cutlets, chilli miso, pickled eggplant

Lamb was unbelievably succulent and cooked to perfection. Eggplant was a dissapointment. The sauce with it was too overpowering, felt like I was eating Hoi Sin Sauce with mush.

wagyu, 500 day grain-fed

sirloin, marble score 9+

O M G. Cooked to perfection. Extraordinary charcoal taste

uchiwa ebi no sugata age

moreton bay bug tempura, chilli ponzu, yuzu koshou

This was also bland.. felt like I needed to chuck some salt on it.

dessert platter

chef’s selection of toko desserts

The picture speaks for itself. UN-BE-LIE-VA-BLE! Warm chocolate pudding is to DIE FOR! Rhubarb and cream? in the cup, was also yummy. Vanilla & Berry sorbet. 

It was such an enjoyable night. Great company, delicious food, what more could you ask for? There was only 2-3 dishes that didn't do it for me, but everything else just made up for it cause it was AMAZING!! Honestly, this is probably one of the best Japanese restaurants I've gone to! Beats Tetsuya's for sure! It was such a good experience that I am considering holding my 21st here.

***4.5/5 Stars from me***

Photo's from the wonderful boyfriend. Lighting was very dimmed so I'm sorry if some pictures are on funny angles as he was trying several different ways to take photos.

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