As Australia’s top restaurants race to join Brisbane’s transcending culinary landscape, Sokyo is the newest dining sensation set to captivate palates in 2024, with an offering as excitingly modern as it is beautifully traditional.
For over a decade, Sokyo has prevailed as one of Sydney’s most beloved Japanese restaurants and a standout culinary attraction at The Star. Earning hatted status, Sokyo’s triumph paved the way for its sister restaurant, Kiyomi, which has achieved resounding success on the Gold Coast. Now Sokyo will join Brisbane’s evolving fine dining scene to share its award-winning philosophy.
Renowned for its traditional Japanese cooking techniques, Sokyo delivers unexpected twists to the dining experience, taking the ordinary to extraordinary. The creative collision of Ritual Meets Art brings theatre to the entire sensory experience, whilst incorporating the finest Queensland produce to infuse a modern, localised touch.
It is an exquisite bridge between Japanese culinary tradition and delicious, modern innovation; a place where time-
honored Tokyo craftsmanship meets Australia’s gastronomic adventurousness. The result is an experience that offers a delicate balance of ritual and art, an ode to Japanese tradition and ceremony through a modern Australian lens.
The Star Brisbane General Manager Food & Beverage, Dustin Osuch, said Sokyo will provide an elevated experience at the centre of Brisbane’s new entertainment hub and anticipates the restaurant will join Kiyomi as one of the region’s most innovative Japanese dining experiences.
“We are thrilled to bring Sokyo to the Brisbane market after the unprecedented success of Sokyo at The Star Sydney and Kiyomi at The Star Gold Coast,” Mr Osuch said.
“Brisbane is rapidly evolving into one of the nation’s top dining destinations and Sokyo will bring an exciting and unexpected flavour to the city whilst staying true to Brisbane’s unique culture.”
To sculpt and direct the new venture, The Star Brisbane has announced the appointment of Sokyo Brisbane Executive Chef, Alex Yu.
Yu’s culinary odyssey began at Sokyo Sydney in 2014 where he honed his skills for eight years, meticulously mastering the intricacies of Japanese culinary traditions as Sous Chef. It was during this time at Sokyo that Yu developed his signature style, earning him the endearing moniker “sashimi florist” for his exquisite platters of premium fish adorned with delicate floral arrangements. Yu has since become synonymous with the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
Venturing beyond familiar grounds, Yu assumed the role of Head Chef at Yugen Melbourne in October 2022 where he orchestrated a symphony of flavours that captivated palates and earned the restaurant two coveted hats within a mere month of opening. Under his leadership, Yugen soared to culinary heights, drawing acclaim and admiration from diners and industry experts alike.
Now taking the helm at Sokyo Brisbane, Yu says he eagerly anticipates introducing his gastronomic vision to Brisbane’s rapidly evolving dining scene.
“Returning to The Star where my culinary career flourished feels like a homecoming, and to have the opportunity to share
Sokyo’s philosophy with Brisbane is truly a privilege,” said Yu.
