Diligently prepared sushi, nigiri and sashimi and one of Perth’s best sake menus make for a winning Japanese experience at James Parker.
From the moment you enter James Parker, it’s clear you’re in for an experience. The architectural feat that is the entryway, the sculptural timber-lined tunnel, the cheerful greetings from chefs lined up behind the sushi counter – all welcome you and sets the tone for a meal sure to be both contemporary and exciting.
There’s a lengthy list of raw bites on offer, but classics extend to the obligatory salmon and spicy tuna rolls – pitch perfect – as well as rolls stuffed with crisp-fried tempura prawn or soft-shell crab.
Part-sushi bar, part-izakaya, it’s no surprise that seafood is king here, with the usual suspects of salmon, snapper and kingfish on display beside octopus, eel and sea urchin, each prepared and presented as sashimi, sushi or nigiri with care and obvious respect for produce. There’s a lengthy list of raw bites on offer, but classics extend to the obligatory salmon and spicy tuna rolls – pitch perfect – as well as rolls stuffed with crisp-fried tempura prawn or soft-shell crab.
There’s plenty to pique interest outside of the sushi menu, though. Classics like chicken karaage – all crunch and juiciness – or wagyu beef yakiniku-don dressed with shredded nori and fried shallots, are offset by more unexpected dishes, like charcoal-grilled cauliflower topped with almonds, cashews, pomegranate and crisp-fried kale, then finished with sesame dressing. Whatever your pick, pair it with sake from the extensive list, sink back and enjoy the mix of tradition and contemporary flair.