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BenBu is one of those best kept secret places that isn’t so secret. Although no one seems to know about it, it is always filled with diners from all walks of life. Our last visit had an older artist set up near the window while he sketched patrons onto gessoed canvases. He was a bit of a character and I think more of an attention seeker than artist, but typical for the place.

We tend to go here a fair bit, as the sushi and sashimi is excellent and modestly priced for the quality. You could do cheaper at the Sushi Train, but not by much. The staff is friendly, although service is pretty much relegated to when you can get someone’s attention. That’s not unusual for dining in Sydney, so not really a criticism.

Typically we’ll start with an appetizer of Yaki-Gyōza (Pan-fried Pork Dumplings) or Edamame and a pot of Genmaicha (green tea with roasted brown rice). Occasionally we’ll splurge on our palates a bit and get the Rolling Prawn, which is a fried prawn wrapped in potato noodle – simple and extremely delicious, almost like a tempura batter but a bit more substantial.

Rolling Prawn, wrapped in Potato Noodle and Fried

For a main, we’ve become partial to the Sushi and Sashimi Platter which consists of an assortment of daily fish and some Tuna Maki. The fish is always extremely fresh and the portions are cut perfectly for mouth size. I like the Unagi Nigiri (Grilled Eel Sushi, which tastes a bit too fishy for Angela), so I eat that as my treat and Angela gets the Tamago (Sweet Egg Omelette over rice, wrapped in Nori). It is tempting to just get a large combo platter and be done with it, but there is lots of great food at BenBu it is hard to stick with what you know is good. But it is always good to explore the menu a bit and we’ve found a few more favourites.

Sushi and Sashimi, with Tuna Maki

You can never go wrong with the Maki, especially the Crunch Prawn Roll (Tempura Prawn wrapped in seaweed and rice, with a hint of mayonnaise). The Spicy Tuna Roll is named appropriately. Hot, but flavourful. It demands a cold beer to be within arms reach, but the combo is superb.

Our newest favourite is the Fish Katsu Don (Katsu comes from cutlet and Don from the word for rice bowl). Katsu Don (alternatively katsudon) is usually made from Pork, Chicken or Fish. The Fish Katsu Don at BenBu is a batter-fried fillet that is mixed with egg just before serving over rice. The egg creates a loose omelette holding the whole dish together. Wonderfully filling, this is what I would imagine Japanese would consider “comfort food”. We tend to share one with another main, but realistically it would be enough for two of us with an entrée. Of course we never do that and end up way too full. Happy, but full.

Fish Katsu Don, with Nori garnish

We’re not sure what “BenBu” means, but it likely is a reference to “banbu” or bamboo in Japanese, as the decor evokes this motif. Regardless, BenBu is a great little place tucked along Stanely St in Darlinghurst. It is moderately priced, but the quality is high. Obviously popular with the regulars, but you may have missed this gem if you don’t frequent the area. Easily one of our favourite restaurants in the city.

BenBu
Entrées $6 – $9
Mains $9 – $22
BYO, Corkage $2 per person

Location:
80 Stanley Street
East Sydney 2010
Ph: (02) 9358 3415