The evolution of Sydney’s one of a kind Barangaroo precinct into the city’s hottest new dining destination continues as Zushi opened the doors to its latest restaurant offering, designed by Koichi Takada Architects, arguably one of Australia’s most celebrated architecture practices winning multiple Australian and international architectural and interior design competitions and awards in recent years. Koichi Takada has brought a refined and innovative Japanese sensibility to Australian architecture that melds perfectly with the Zushi aesthetic, forming the ultimate partnership to create a distinctive and stylish yet relaxed and welcoming restaurant space.

Located on the Barangaroo waterfront, Zushi Barangaroo is the third restaurant for the Zushi Group, whose Darlinghurst and Surry Hills venues are consistently named among Sydney’s favourite Japanese restaurants for their modern, innovative yet authentic food featuring the highest quality ingredients. Koichi Takada Architects drew inspiration from the Japanese traditional space of iyashi, where one comes to find a sense of peace, an escape from hectic city lifestyle.

The use of natural timber panels and crafted timber furniture welcomes customers into a dining sanctuary embraced by soft planting and Koichi Takada Architects’ signature design of warm timber materiality. Koichi Takada Architects blend between natural and industrial aesthetics, seamlessly connecting with the original characters of Barangaroo wharf. The industrial materiality of concrete, terrazzo and metal accentuates the natural warmth of the timber feature.

Everywhere the customers touch and feel is also designed with raw and warm timber material, inspired by the tradition of Japanese restaurants. The dining area at Zushi Barangaroo is uniquely all outdoors, presenting an ideal space to dine in front of beautiful Sydney Harbour, a favourite pastime of Sydneysiders and tourists alike. The outdoor area is designed to cope with all-round weathers with sun shading, wind protection, heaters and operable roof louvers. Zushi Barangaroo is a new identity for Zushi and a distinctive addition to the Barangaroo precinct.

Design: Koichi Takada Architects
Photographs: Tom Ferguson and Lauren Bamford