There are few better spots to admire Sydney Harbour than from the International Passenger Terminal, alive with the sounds and scents of a bustling restaurant scene.
One such restaurant, perched right in the centre of the action, is
Ocean Room. Resplendent with its tall glass windows watching over the busy harbour, and out to the Opera House and Bennelong Point. Inside the architectural highlight is surely the bamboo arched ceiling that gently sways with the breeze.
But gone are the days that a view alone will ensure a restaurant's success and the offerings at Ocean Room will surely impress. Chef Raita Noda and his team have been creating modern Japanese style delicacies here, using the freshest Australian and New Zealand seafood, for over 7 years.
Tuna sushi with pickled ginger
I was fortunate enough to be a guest at a sushi and sashimi masterclass conducted by Chef Noda at Ocean Room.
The view from Ocean Room
Against the impressive vista of Sydney Harbour, our group were shown how the team masterfully prepare contemporary Edomae sushi and sashimi, using the highest quality fish and cuttlefish available, to create their version of modern Japanese styled cuisine with a few Mediterranean influences. Vinegared Koshihikari rice is teamed with various fish, including an impressive slab of tuna, skilfully sliced and prepared with wasabi and lime salt flakes.
Sake over ice
Mixed sashimi platter
The sashimi selection consisted of a wide variety of fish, all beautifully presented, that posed a variety of textures. Imperador, King Fish, Ocean Trout, Mackerel and John Dory were just a few of the offerings.
Cuttlefish sushi
Chef Noda, formally of Matsukaze and Rise, migrated to Australia from Tokyo, Japan in 1990 with his parents. He began at Ocean Room in 2004 as executive chef bringing his progressive ideas and traditional skills to present a regularly updated seasonal menu of the highest quality.
Curved bamboo ceiling and modern interior at Ocean Room
The team at Ocean Room work closely with Narito Ishii of Wellstone Seafoods to source the highest quality ingredients available while promoting sustainability.
Ocean Room serves lunch Tuesday to Friday and dinner Monday to Saturday. An impressive private dining room is also presented on the mezzanine level, available for weddings and corporate functions.
Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar
Ocean Room can be found at ground level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay West, The Rocks Sydney. Reservations can be made by calling (02) 9252 9585 or
online.
