Sodewa Saké Bar is possibly Adelaide’s first true koryori-ya – intimate restaurants that are considered more refined than an izakaya, but less formal than a ryotei, or traditional Japanese restaurant. And they’re a rare gem in the Australian dining scene.

Located on Pirie Street (in the former In Studio & Cafe space), you’ll find dishes designed to pair with saké. Specials might include short-aged, grilled tommy ruff with house-made radish fish stock; squid with shichimi and yuzu mayonnaise; or Wagyu beef tataki. There’s also a “raw bar” serving salmon, kingfish and tuna sashimi.

The saké list changes with the seasons and the house pick changes daily. You’ll also find plenty of adventurous saké-centric cocktails, a limited range of Japanese whisky and shochu and Japanese beers on tap.