The hospitality group behind Sydney restaurants including Aalia, Nour, and Ito has added another venue to its growing portfolio – but this time, it’s a bar.
Joji marks the group’s first foray into the drinks landscape after the team snapped up the space above Cartier’s flagship store on George Street.
“We’re excited to venture into a new space and finally open our first bar after three years in the making,” says Esca Co-Founder Ibby Moubadder. “We have put our heart and soul into this venue so I can’t wait for Sydney to experience what we have created.”
The rooftop bar covers a total of 310sqm across a cocktail lounge, dining space, and outdoor terrace offering views of the CBD.
Bar talent Kerry Burgess is heading has taken on the role of general manager after time working in London, while Group Executive Chef Paul Farag has put together the food offering.
Cocktails are listed on the menu under the categories of shibui (simple), wabi sabi (perfectly imperfect), datsuzoku (beyond ordinary), and temperates (balanced). There’s also a selection of boilermakers, beer, wine, sake, whisky, and agave spirits.
Highlights include an Old Fashioned with Fuji whisky, roasted grapes, and bitters as well as the Ichigo, which features Haku vodka, strawberry, matcha, clarified yoghurt, and toasted milk.
Farag’s menu is designed for guests to share and enjoy late into the night, with the bar open until 2am seven days a week once it opens on 31 October.
The chef says the food offering is “versatile, and utterly delicious, so whether guests are dropping in for a light snack, a full meal, or a late-night bite, Joji offers something that fits every occasion”.
The robata plays a key role at Joji thanks to the kitchen’s custom 2-metre charcoal grill. Diners can choose from proteins including king prawns, boneless chicken wings, A5 Wagyu.
Other highlights include crispy rice with smoked eel, a sashimi plate, curry bread with Japanese curry sauce, and a scallop and bug sando.
Joji is open Wednesday to Friday from midday until 2am and on Saturday to Tuesday from 4pm until 2am.
