Australia

Chica Bonita's turning Japanese: Manly's new izakaya

Sake spin-offs

The northern beaches has more than its fair share of famous faces calling it home

From Jennifer Hawkins to Kym Ellery, it's a haven for the style set to escape city life. Without exception, all of the peninsula's residents - celebrity or otherwise - have been spotted at legendary Manly Mexican joint Chica Bonita - home of dangerously sippable margaritas and the most amazing steak-and-guac-on-hot-chips combo known to man.

So when news reached us that the Chica Bonita boys were opening a second eatery, we were all ears. Instead of Mexican, they're turning Japanese with an izakaya-style restaurant and bar. Named Sunset Sabi, it's all contemporary Japanese dishes with some not-so-authentic but delicious-sounding twists: think caramel, chili and seaweed popcorn, $7, and edamame and wasabi hummus with sweet potato chips, $11. Sweet potato features on the dessert menu too, in the form of moreish doughnuts with Japanese whisky cream, matcha white chocolate and strawberries.

Chica Bonita's turning Japanese: Manly's new izakaya (фото 1)

There's also a strong sushi and sashimi line-up and a drinks menu that ranges from an impressive sake selection to Japanese beers and curious cocktails with Japanese flavours: try the Whisky Kick - fresh apple, whisky, umeshu (a Japanese liqueur) and wasabi, $15, or the Ume-mule - umeshu, yuzushu (sake infused with yuzu juice), ginger beer and lime, $12.

Sunset Sabi is open for dinner only from Tuesday to Saturday; visit sunsetsabi.com.