Ariake On Grey

Ariake on Grey in South Brisbane is a slick little Japanese Izakaya style eatery where the focus is on quality fresh seafood, to dine in or takeaway.

Located in the striking new Southpoint complex, Araiake on Grey is handily located straight down the escalators or elevator from South Bank Station.

Seafood lovers are in for a real treat here at Ariake on Grey, with a menu that focusses on trawler fresh mostly Australian seafood, as sushi, sashimi, in bento boxes, Tempura or from the Robata Grill (white hot charcoal).

Attached to the casual dining area, which is decked out in timber with a cherry tree sculpture and Japanese lanterns hanging from the roof, Ariake on Grey also has a seafood counter where customers can pick up a range of fresh sashimi grade fish, as well as crabs, prawns, oysters, octopus and scallops to take home.

At lunchtime, diners can sit in and enjoy one of the highly recommended Bento Boxes, either small (Sashimi, Tempura and a Chef’s choice of 2 Sushi items) or large (sashimi, Tempura, Grilled Fish and Chef’s choice of 3 sushi items), including miso soup and salad. Or go for an East meets West share option of a Hot & Cold Seafood Platter served with chips and salad.

Otherwise, there’s a range of Sets including Sashimi and Chirashi (assorted sashimi with rice), Chicken Teriyaki, Una Don (grilled eel) or Kara-age (marinated deep fried chicken), all with rice, or a Tonkatsu Set (crumbed pork with rice and cabbage salad).

Meanwhile, a selection of Oysters includes Kaki Fry (fresh crumbed and deep fried with spicy sauce) or Ponzu Jelly (with ponzu jelly, spicy radish puree, finger lime and chive).

From the Robata there’s a delectable choice of Tasmanian Salmon, Sword Fish, Red Emperor, Wild Barramundi, King Fish Teriyaki or Snapper, all served with Satsuma imo, chips and salad and a range of Tempura dishes include Fresh Crumbed King Prawn, Snapper, Red Emperor, Flathead or Whiting, also served with Satsumo imo, chips and salad.

Takeaway options are extensive and include tataki, Sushi Rolls, selections of Ngiri and Sashimi, Tempura and Robata dishes, Salads (including Cold Smoked Salmon. Soft Shell Crab and King Prawn) and Hot and Cold Seafood Platters. And those who buy their fresh seafood from the counter can opt for any of it cut sashimi style.

Drinks-wise, there’s Sapporo Premium Beer on tap as well as a mix of Oz and Japanese bottles and canned beer, sake, a small selection of wines as well as standard soft drinks and sparkling mineral water.

Good to know – There’s a couple of high chairs for those with tots in tow.

Need to know – Everything at Ariake on Grey is prepared from scratch (including the miso soup) and using only fresh (not frozen seafood) sourced mostly from Australia (or NZ).

The menu may have changed since our visit.

A full list of the best Japanese restaurants in Brisbane HERE