Mr Kojima on Chevron Island is the definition of a hidden gem. It may not boast the flashiest fit-out on the block but that doesn’t stop the 36-seat dining room filling to capacity every single night. The quaint neighbourhood venue is the handiwork of celebrated chef Jon Hizola (who has previously helmed the kitchens at many of the city’s esteemed Asian-fusion restaurants including Kiyomi, Etsu Izakaya, Hideaway Kitchen and Bar and Mr Hizolas) and his partner Eileen and dishes up a modern take on traditional Japanese fare. Mr Kojima’s expansive menu is designed to please a wide cross-section of tastes with dishes such as the beef toban (caramelised onions and beef slices sizzling away in a clay pot) left untouched whilst others – such as the tuna tartare with crispy rice and zingy wasabi soy dipping sauce – have been completely reimagined to incorporate a little drama in the plating. The gyoza are made in-house and if you’re after a real show-stopper, the rib-eye fillet with kinoko mushroom butter is guaranteed to please. If you simply cannot decide (we don’t blame you!), there’s an omakase option to free yourself from the burden of ordering. Accompanying the eats is a satisfying selection of sake, Japanese whisky and signature cocktails such as the Pink Geisha (muddled strawberry and watermelon, vodka, Shōchū and Calpis) and the Wagamama Margarita (pineapple Shōchū, lime, yuzu, tequila, sake and passionfruit). Mr Kojima is BYO on Tuesday nights and bookings are strongly encouraged.

Catching a show at HOTA? Mr Kojima is the perfect place for a cheeky pre-show cocktail – just be sure to let the team know you’ve got a show to catch!