Best Casual Diner: Time Out Food Awards 2012

You might recognize chef Kenji Maenaka from Bodega – he worked for years alongside Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz. He’s joined here by sushi chef Taketoshi “Take” Iwama, who wields his razor sharp sushi blade with quiet confidence, making pristine sushi and sashimi. The fitout is simple with an open kitchen, long bar, crimson paint and a wall of sake in a hard-surfaced, high-ceilinged box of a room. They don’t take bookings, so it’s a matter of taking your chances when it comes to getting a table, or settling for a spot at the bar. This being a Japanese-run restaurant, a seat at the bar is hardly Siberia, so jump at the chance if it’s offered. Start with a bowl of edamame and some salty mixed pickles and then get some hooch on the go. The beer offerings have been getting some real play over the past few months, including Hitachino, Orion and a few other choice Japanese beers on tap Mondays and Tuesdays (it’s imported straight from Japan, and in small batches). An izakaya is basically a Japanese bar that serves food, so the food here is grazing gear, made to go with drinks and conversation. To that end, there’s a fair amount of fried stuff to go with those beers, like satsuma age – fried discs of fish, potato, bits of carrot and soybean served with ginger soy dipping sauce. Or try a plate of KFC (Kenji’s Fried Chicken) – the deep-fried nubs are a fine accompaniment to one of the list’s many killer sakes. Up for something a little more substantial? Go for the tuna jaw and a serve of glazed beef ribs. At the heart of it, izakaya food is drinking food. Visit Izakaya Fujiyama with a healthy thirst for beers, deliciousness and fun times



Runners up

Popolo
Rushcutters Bay	There’s some seriously good cooking going on here. Whether you’ve come for a quick pizza and a glass of red or you’re settling in for a proper Sunday afternoon session – don’t miss the little pieces of pork sausage with cime di rapa – you’re in good hands.
The Fish Shop
Potts Point	Come for the fish burger, but stay and eat the whole menu. Executive chef Jeremy Strode and company have transformed the old Lotus site into a highly styled fish and chipper. It’s all about Bloody Marys, salty Margaritas, smoked salmon sandwiches and crisp white wines here.
The Apollo
Potts Point	Establishment and young blood come together at this modern Greek restaurant, serving salty lamb ribs, Greek salad and some fine cocktails. Sam Christie (the man behind Longrain) and young gun Jonathan Barthelmess (Manly Pavilion, Coast) have rebranded Greek food in Sydney.
4Fourteen
Surry Hills	Colin Fassnidge and team have created a breezy, modern casual dining spot on the old Le Pain Quotidien site. Sit at the bar with some pork rinds and a glass of Bandol rosé or take a table for the Irish breakfast and the Nutri-Grain icy pole.

Food Awards 2012
	View our full list of winners from the Time Out Food Awards 2012