Iiza

Newtown’s dining scene is taking a turn for the better, starting with this dandy izakaya.

Izakayas: this year’s answer to tapas bars? If Kasumi Izakaya (the place on Dixon Street selling the waterslide noodles) and this new inner west gem have anything to with it, yes. An izakaya is basically a Japanese bar serving food. But in Australia, it seems to be more a case of a restaurant serving great booze.

Iiza, brought to you by the folks from Jazushi (the restaurant that fuses sushi... and jazz!), is no exception. But given the state of dining in Newtown, it’s an anomaly we can live with.

In a suburb unfortunately bereft of great places to get dinner, Iiza comes as a massive relief. Mind you, Newtown is about to explode with awesomeness thanks to the likes of Jo Ward’s restaurant Bloodwood and of course, the swinging new bar, Corridor.

What do you eat? Well, you might try the likes of green beans with dark and sweet soy, to start, and move on to the deep fried asparagus spears with tartare sauce – very nice indeed, and a big crunchy hit of chlorophyll. While we’re on the subject of things that go in the fryer (our favourite), you might try the slices of lotus root stuffed with chicken mince and deep-fried with a fine julienne of chilli on the top.

Or perhaps you’d like some things on sticks to go with your beer and shochu? We love the sausage mince and the chicken covered in cheese sauce.

In a suburb about to go great guns on the eating scene, we’re happy to chalk this one up as a winner. Myffy Rigby