Washoku Guide
Cities/Sydney/Izakaya/Izakaya Fujiyama
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Izakaya Fujiyama

JapaneseSushiSake BarWhisky DenRobataSmall PlatesHappy Hour

Izakaya Fujiyama is Surry Hills' beloved Japanese izakaya and sake bar, operated by Hokkaido-born owner-chef Kenji Maenaka, whose restaurant has earned consistent critical acclaim since 2008. Sushi chef Taketoshi Iwama brings additional Japanese-trained depth to a menu spanning robata-grilled skewers, sashimi, and one of Sydney's most carefully curated sake lists.

Price
¥¥
Area
Surry Hills
Since
2008
Chef
Taketoshi Iwama
Owner
Kenji Maenaka
Izakaya Fujiyama — authentic japanese restaurant in Sydney, Surry Hills
Plate № 28
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About
Kenji Maenaka arrived from Hokkaido with the conviction that Australia deserved a genuine Japanese izakaya experience — and more than 15 years later, Izakaya Fujiyama remains the standard-bearer for the format in Sydney. The restaurant occupies a compact ground-floor space in Waterloo Street, Surry Hills, with a lively bar anchoring a menu of small plates, sushi, robata-grilled skewers, and substantial mains. Sushi chef Taketoshi Iwama brings dedicated Japanese training to a menu that balances traditional izakaya dishes with select Hokkaido-influenced preparations. The sake selection is thoughtful and extensive, supplemented by one of Sydney's best Japanese whisky collections. A happy hour from 5pm to 7pm Monday through Friday makes this one of the most accessible authentic Japanese venues in the city. Reviewed as 'award-winning' by Gourmet Traveller.
Neighborhood & visiting

Izakaya Fujiyama sits in Surry Hills, one of Sydney's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Hokkaido-born owner-chef Kenji Maenaka built Sydney's most authentic izakaya format over 15-plus years, with both the food and atmosphere remaining genuinely Japanese in spirit.
  • The combination of sake bar, whisky den, and a daily-changing small-plates menu gives Fujiyama the layered, stay-all-night quality of a true Tokyo izakaya.
  • Happy hour from 5–7pm Monday to Friday makes this one of the best-value authentic Japanese dining experiences in the inner city.

Walk-ins welcome; bookings recommended for weekend evenings. Happy hour 5–7pm Mon–Fri.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →

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Frequently asked

About Izakaya Fujiyama

Is Izakaya Fujiyama an authentic japanese restaurant in Sydney?
Yes — Izakaya Fujiyama is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese in Sydney: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Izakaya Fujiyama located?
Izakaya Fujiyama is located at Shop G09, 38–52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Sydney, Australia in the Surry Hills neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Izakaya Fujiyama?
Izakaya Fujiyama accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Izakaya Fujiyama?
Izakaya Fujiyama sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese of this format in Sydney.
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Sydney →Izakaya in Sydney →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →