Japanese master chef to help revive Waterloo food scene
Japanese master chef Nobuyuki Ura is shunning Sydney’s CBD as helps to reinvigorate Waterloo’s food scene.
Ura, who spent three decades at Merivale’s sushi e, is now at the helm of the new Danks Street eatery, Ora.
Ura had good reason to choose the inner west suburb over the Sydney CBD.
“It has been very quiet around here,” Ura said. “I am not interested in the city though, especially after Covid. Waterloo is very close to Surry Hills … it is a new trendy spot.”
The restaurant owned by the Winning Group empire, run by fourth-generation CEO John Winning, is their first venture into hospitality with the team taking three years to find the Waterloo location.
“We are thinking modern Japanese with traditional techniques,” Ura said. “A memorable taste and experience is very important.
“With my food, quality and freshness is most important. I go to the seafood market three times a week and I have lots of connections with suppliers.”
The warehouse space was designed by Kelly Ross and was created with the intention of combining modern Japanese culture with Sydney flair.
Guests can also hang around after their meals in a bar space that has comfortable lounges and a DJ booth called So She Me.
“Atmosphere is important, nice food with a cocktail, nice music,” Ura said. “It is a big space. This is my dream restaurant.”
Irit Jackson, 15th March 2022
