Check out this unique gastronomic fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine that challenges traditional culinary boundaries at Ito Izakaya in Surry Hills.
Ito, located at 413-415 Crown Street, officially opened its doors on Wednesday, 11 Oct 2023, and has since caught the attention of food enthusiasts seeking an innovative dining experience.
Ito boasts a distinctive approach to blending two diverse culinary traditions. Headed by Italian-born chef Erik Ortolani, the restaurant refrains from overt fusion but instead seeks to naturally intertwine the flavour profiles of Japanese and Italian cuisines. The result is a menu that offers a rich blend of the two traditions, with ingredients such as sashimi, crudo, ponzu, and lemon acting as common ground.
Surry Hills: The Perfect Backdrop
The restaurant is a fresh addition to the vibrant Surry Hills neighbourhood, known for its diverse dining scene and trendy atmosphere, making it the perfect location for this innovative culinary experiment. Ito’s approach to fusion cuisine is marked by a dedication to preserving the authenticity of each cuisine while finding creative ways to unite them.
Surry Hills, renowned for its diverse dining scene and trendy ambience, provides an ideal backdrop for Ito’s innovative approach to cuisine. The restaurant aims to deliver a unique experience where Japanese and Italian flavours converge seamlessly, setting the stage for unforgettable dining experiences.
Exploring the Culinary Intersection
Chef Erik Ortolani’s journey into the realm of Japanese-Italian fusion is inspired by his childhood in northern Italy’s lake district. He found solace in Asian food and culture, which served as a departure from the homogenous environment of his surroundings. Chef Ortolani honed his skills in Italian fine-dining restaurants in Milan before embarking on a journey to Australia to explore his passion for elevating cuisines.
The chef spent years perfecting the art of slicing sashimi at Cho Cho San in Potts Point, eventually rising to the position of head chef. After further honing his craft in other Japanese restaurants, he was approached by restaurateur Ibby Moubadder to open Ito in the former location of Cuckoo Callay on Crown Street.
Ito’s menu showcases a variety of dishes, with some staying true to traditional Japanese preparation and others creatively incorporating Italian elements. An example is the slow-cooked wagyu with white shimeji mushrooms and miso, paired with ribbon-shaped mafaldine pasta.
One highlight of the menu is the yellowfin tuna served on bonito bread with shaved Italian bottarga, adding complexity and a long finish to the dish. Chef Ortolani also points out the Japanese equivalent of bottarga, emphasizing the synergy between the two cuisines.
Essence of Izakaya
Ito invites patrons to embark on a culinary journey where tradition inspires creativity, offering a dining space for 85 guests and 25 alfresco seats. The restaurant embodies the essence of an izakaya, a place for socialising, sipping sake, and indulging in delicious dishes, all while overlooking the lively streets of Sydney.
The restaurant’s carefully curated drinks menu complements its unique personality, featuring Japanese-inspired classic cocktails, a selection of wines from Japan and Italy, as well as an extensive range of sake, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes.
For ESCA Group, the restaurant’s co-founder, Ibrahim Moubadder, and architect Matt Darwon, the aim was to create a vibrant and flexible space that harmoniously blends the indoor and outdoor areas. The restaurant’s decor combines clean lines, bespoke Tasmanian blackwood furniture, leather furnishings, Japan-black stained floorboards, and bold pops of colour, resulting in a modern and inviting atmosphere.
Experience Ito, Surry Hills’ new Japanese izakaya, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of Japanese and Italian cuisines that define this exciting culinary destination.
Follow Ito izakaya on Instagram for updates.
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