If you’re a fan of traditional Japanese bites like okonomiyaki, takoyaki and sweet mochi, then Oi Izakaya will be right up your alley. Nestled in James Street, the moody 50-seat dining spot gives a nod to the bustling izakayas of Tokyo and beyond, with an open kitchen putting the chefs in full view of diners. The hero here is Osaka-style okonomiyaki (savoury Japanese pancake) in combinations like pork, seafood and thinly sliced beef – or you can add noodles for a Hiroshima-style twist. There’s also fried yakisoba noodles with pork belly, hand-made gyozas, fresh tuna and salmon sashimi plates, and delicate chicken-thigh karaage. The takoyaki, a popular street snack known as ‘octopus balls’, is given a twist by using prawn instead, while traditional sushi is flipped on its head and is served in the form of a layered ‘sushi burger’. There’s traditional sweets like taiyaki (Japan’s popular fish-shaped pancake) and plenty of whisky, sake, cocktails and beer to choose from.