Miji Bar & Grill Lets You Pour Your Own Sake in the Heart of North Sydney

A pour-your-own sake wall, wagyu donburi and Shinjuku-style lighting, Miji Bar & Grill in North Sydney is where tech and Tokyo vibes meet the lunch crowd.



Tokyo Atmosphere With a Local Feel

Inside, Miji features glowing lanterns, timber finishes and backlit bottles for a moody, Shinjuku-inspired feel. A replica of Tokyo’s Kabukicho arch marks the entry, with seating that suits both work lunches and group dinners.

The restaurant sits at the base of 100 Miller Street and was built to bring Tokyo’s backstreet izakaya culture into a relaxed, community-friendly setting. Its stylish design feels welcoming rather than formal.

A Self-Serve Sake and Cocktail Bar Like No Other

Miji’s standout feature is its self-serve drinks wall, where guests use a prepaid card to pour from 24 rotating taps of sake, wine, cocktails and alcohol-free options. Each tap includes flavour notes, helping diners explore with ease.

The pour-your-own concept adds a social and playful edge to the night, whether guests are sampling a cloudy nigori sake, a dry white wine, or a refreshing yuzu cocktail. It also helps speed up service, especially during the after-work rush.

According to the team behind Miji, the drink wall is just one way they’re inviting diners to be part of the experience, not just spectators. It’s about freedom, interaction and shared moments.

A Menu Designed for Sharing

Miji Bar & Grill serves comforting Japanese dishes with a modern Australian touch, led by Head Chef Jacob Lee, who brings experience from Michelin-starred kitchens. The share-friendly menu focuses on clean flavours and quality ingredients, encouraging a social dining experience.

Diners can enjoy wagyu steak donburi with soft egg, yuzu-glazed rainbow trout, and crab-filled okonomiyaki, alongside seasonal crudo and noodle dishes. The menu stays true to izakaya roots while bringing a fresh, local feel that suits North Sydney’s pace.

Built for North Sydney Locals

Miji Bar & Grill is fast becoming a favourite for North Sydney workers, offering a relaxed space for everything from midweek dinners to solo sake tastings and group celebrations.



What sets Miji apart is how naturally it fits into the local rhythm—less like Tokyo transplanted, and more like Tokyo adapted. It blends Japanese culture with the relaxed style North Sydney locals enjoy.

Published 8-May-2025

Japanese Izakaya Opens with Unique Drink System in North Sydney

North Sydney now boasts a unique dining experience. Patrons can pour their sake and cocktails from a self-serve bar, bringing a slice of Tokyo’s lively Izakaya culture to the city’s heart.



A Taste of Tokyo in North Sydney

Miji Bar & Grill, a new Japanese Izakaya, has opened its doors, offering a distinctive dining experience. The establishment is the brainchild of Ian Ng, who drew inspiration from a Japanese grocery shop where customers could pour their own sake.

Ng aimed to recreate the casual and vibrant atmosphere of Japanese Izakaya restaurants, which are known for serving good food and drinks late into the night. The bar features neon lights, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Japanese signage, creating an ambience reminiscent of Tokyo’s bustling streets. A replica of the Shinjuku Arch further enhances the authentic Japanese feel.

Culinary Delights and Self-Serve Drinks

The restaurant specialises in grilled seafood and traditional Japanese dishes. Head Chef Jacob Lee, who has experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and South Korea, crafted a menu focusing on high-quality ingredients and creative twists. Signature dishes include Rainbow Trout, Kingfish Crudo, and Kanimiso Okonomi.

A key feature of Miji is its self-serve bar, which offers 24 selections of wines, sakes, and mocktails. Customers use a pre-paid membership card to tap, pay, and pour their drinks, allowing for a casual and flexible dining experience.

This concept aims to replicate the informal atmosphere of Japanese Izakayas, where patrons can enjoy a quick drink and snack without a formal sit-down meal. The owner stated that the purpose of the self-serve system is to allow people to stop by, enjoy a drink, and leave when they are ready.



Community Gathering Place

Miji Bar & Grill aims to be a gathering place for the North Sydney community, catering to office workers, friends, and families. The restaurant hopes to provide an authentic Japanese experience, offering traditional flavours and drinks in a welcoming and lively environment.

The chef mentioned that the restaurant wants people to leave feeling like they have experienced something new and exciting. The restaurant is focused on providing fresh grilled seafood and a selection of beer and sake in a lively atmosphere.

Published Date 20-March-2025