Nikkei: A Japanese-Peruvian Hotspot on Bree Street

A cool culinary haven of trending Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.

Nikkei is the name of this fascinating fusion between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine and also of the perennially buzzing restaurant on Bree that has put a contemporary spin on it with plentiful pinches of panache.

A sibling to the bang-on-brand Scala, Burger & Lobster, Iron Steak and Hacienda (all Bree Street hotspots), the group’s executive chef Justin Barker works with the culinary consultation of chef Rikku O’Donnchu to create a whole lot of South American-slash-Japanese deliciousness packed with fresh ingredients and loads of attitude!

A cool buzzy hotspot

Climbing the broad staircase from Bree Street you emerge into a fittingly dramatic space (it used to be a cabaret theatre) which retains a touch of stage-struck aura in the high ceilings (which leave room for a more intimate mezzanine floor upstairs). The service is efficient, the buzz pulsating, the decor chic and up-to the minute with moody greens on panelled walls and tall windows letting in shafts of sunlight, and there’s a long bar churning out sultry cocktails.

What’s on the menu

Begin with piqueos (delightful small bites) paired with a cocktail. Crudo y marinados showcases raw or marinated delicacies, featuring the pinnacle of Nikkei cuisine—the celebrated ceviche – with creative versions such as the yellowtail hamachi with fermented chili, black garlic and confit egg yolk; or the tuna with smoked jalapeno, shoyu, coriander oil and black sesame. Follow on with a variety of sumptuous shared plates, such as fire-cooked chicken thigh with black bean mole from the coals of the Josper oven, and there’s the robatayaki, a miniature charcoal grill brought tableside, for an authentic Japanese-Peruvian grilling experience. Sushi aficionados can revel in Japanese-Peruvian new style signature rolls (try the truffle maki or the crispy soft shell crab), and revered Japanese classics.

If you can’t decide, just go for the omakase set menu for two and work your way through nine delicious shared courses that cover all the flavour bases.

Raising the bar

The bar at Nikkei boasts an enticing array of Japanese whiskies and a meticulously crafted list of sake and pisco cocktails, curated by an award-winning mixologist. The iconic Pisco Sours, a stalwart of the Peruvian cocktail scene, is one you have to try.

South American flavours, Japanese finesse and a whole lot of Bree Street vibes…

Good to know Pisco Hour: Half price on all pisco-based cocktails Monday – Saturday 4pm – 5:30pm (not valid on First Thursdays, Ts+ Cs apply)
Sushi + Sake Sundays: R199 Sunday sushi platter (25 pieces) and half price on all sake cocktails + Live DJ from 12 – 5:30pm
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10.30pm
Contact 021 109 0081, capetown@nikkei.co.za
Where to find it 87 Bree Street, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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