In the bustling heart of Cape Town’s city centre lies Bree Street’s newest kid on the block – a restaurant where the culinary traditions of Japan and Peru converge to create an extraordinary fusion.
Paying homage to Nikkei cuisine (the food of the Japanese-Peruvian community resulting from years of Japanese migration to Peru in the early 1900s), Nikkei offers a harmonious blend of flavours.
Founded by the same team that brought the much-loved Scala Pasta Bar, Hacienda, Iron Steak and Burger & Lobster, you’re guaranteed a treat.
Upon entering Nikkei, guests are immediately enveloped in the ambience that reflects the sophistication of Japan and the vibrant energy of Peru. The deep green, representing the Amazon, alongside splashes of gold and wood panelling, strikes a balance between minimalistic elegance and colourful exuberance, which sets the stage for an unforgettable exotic dining experience.
Did we mention the waitrons are dressed in pink kimono-like jackets too?
Nikkei’s cuisine is a testament to the innovative spirit of its chefs who skilfully blend Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavours, creating dishes that are both familiar and delightfully unexpected.
Having consulted one Michelin star chef Rikku O’Donnchu and with group executive chef Justin Barker at the helm, the menu offers an array of choices, from the freshest sushi and sashimi to zesty ceviches and hearty anticuchos.
Begin with piques (delightful small bites) paired with a cocktail. Crudo y marinados showcases raw or marinated delicacies, featuring the pinnacle of Nikkei cuisine – the celebrated ceviche.
Pestiscos Nikkei are a variety of sumptuous shared plates, many of which come from the coals of the Josper oven, and there’s the robatayaki, a miniature charcoal grill brought tableside, for an authentic Japanese-Peruvian grilling experience.
Sushi aficionados can revel in Japanese-Peruvian new style signature rolls and, of course, revered Japanese classics. There are also many great options for vegetarians and a few for vegans.
Take a look:
With the month of love coming up, Nikkei is offering a special set menu for R699 per person that can be enjoyed on a romantic Valentine’s Day date. For the rest of the year, the set menu for two option for R999 remains an absolute must-try for a full Japanese-Peruvian experience.
The bar and beverage selection is as thoughtfully curated as its menu. An extensive selection of Japanese whiskies and cocktails, featuring inventive concoctions with Peruvian pisco and Japanese sake, complements the bold and intricate flavours of the dishes. The wine list is equally impressive, offering a range of choices that pair beautifully with the diverse menu.
Did we mention that you can get half-price on all Pisco-based cocktails during Pisco Hour? It happens every Monday to Saturday (excluding First Thursdays) between 4:30pm and 5:30pm.
For those looking to add a touch of exoticism to your weekend, Nikkei’s Sushi & Saki Sundays offer half-price Sake cocktails, a 25-piece sushi feast for R199 and a live DJ on the decks to help fight the ‘Sunday Scaries’ from 12pm to 6pm.
Details:
- Location: 87 Bree Street, City centre
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 10:30pm
- Bookings: Dineplan
- Contact: 021 109 0081 | [email protected]
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Picture: Supplied