Yuki's at the Quay, Sydney CBD

Don't think you could ever get tired of this view.  C+K re-visited a old favourite recently for C's mum's 60th birthday - Yuki's at the Quay.  Don't get fooled by the relaxed and simple restaurant decor - Yuki's is situated in a prime CBD position next to Quay Restaurant with stunning uninterrupted views of the Opera House.  This has become a go-to for us over the years when there is a special occasion and we can't agree on anywhere else to go! 

Yuki's offers an a-la-carte menu as well as number of different degustation options.  However, since it was a special occasion, we opted for the Chef's Winter Course.  

First up, we had the sashimi carpaccio with Japanese vinaigrette dressing.  The dressing complements the freshness of the sashimi well and does not overpower the delicate freshness of the sashimi.  A really refreshing start to the meal. The sides of salmon roe, yuzu jelly and radish also gives the dish a little something extra. 

Sashimi carpaccio with Japanese vinaigrette dressing

Next was a dish of roast duck with yuzu miso sauce and scallops with prawn mousse. The duck was tender although we would personally like it a little less cooked.  Unfortunately our scallop tempura batter was a bit thick and soggy by the time the dish arrived so overall this dish was a little disappointing.

Roast duck with yuzu miso sauce and scallops dressed with prawn mousse cooked in tempura style

The 3rd dish was a choice of either a wagyu shabu shabu ramen with pork broth or a nabeyaki seafood udon with seafood broth.  C+K both picked the wagyu option.  It was good that we did because otherwise we would have fought over one plate!  The wagyu is melt-in-your-mouth and the pork broth has a deep, strong flavour and a thick consistency that is evidence of a well-brewed soup - plenty of collogen (and fatty) goodness!  Just be sure to not dunk your wagyu in the soup for too long or you will overcook the beef!

Wagyu shabu shabu ramen with pork broth

By this stage, our stomachs were starting to struggle but there was more food to come - the mains had not yet made an appearance! You have a choice of 3 options: an assortment of sushi with scampi miso soup, wagyu beef steak (MS 7+) or a grilled half size lobster.  C (of course) opted for the wagyu and I opted for the lobster.

The lobster is perfectly cooked and the flesh has already been thoughtfully removed from the shell to make for easy eating.  The tartar sauce is not as creamy as it appears and does not overpower the sweetness of the lobster but because K was so full by this stage, it was a struggle to finish it - which is unfortunately because it really was a very tasty dish!  

Grilled half size lobster dressed with tartar sauce and salmon roe

As with the wagyu shabu shabu, the wagyu steak is perfectly cooked, tender and flavoursome.  Can't really fault anything about the star of this dish.  A must for any wagyu fans out there!

Wagyu beef steak (MS 7+) with chef's special sauce

 Finally came the dessert - creme brulee and a chocolate tart.  The creme brulee gave the perfect "crack" as you dug your spoon in and was nice and creamy.  The chocolate tart was not overly sweet but overall, it wasn't the star of the night and given how full we were, we struggled to finish this one.

Home made assorted desserts (creme brulee and chocolate tart)

Overall - if you're looking for a restaurant with amazing views and reliably fresh Japanese food that has a bit of a modern twist on traditional classics, you will be satisfied at Yuki's.  Just make sure you wear loose clothes/stretch pants to hide the food baby!