Bossa Nova Sushi

You might not typically associate sushi trains with top chef Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook) and restaurateur Con Christopoulos (Siglo, The European, City Wine Shop, Kafeneion). But Bossa Nova Sushi isn’t your typical sushi train.

First, there’s the unconventional name. It pays homage to Brazil, which has one of the largest Japanese diaspora populations and hints at the venue’s classic soundtrack. More specifically, it’s a nod to the vibrant Japanese restaurant culture Christopoulos observed when holidaying in Sao Paulo.

Then there’s the food. Liong’s menu has plates that rotate – literally and figuratively. It might include unagi (freshwater eel), seared bonito, eggplant agebitashi (fried eggplant), Wagyu tri-tip tataki and skipjack tuna nigiri. There’s also an a la carte menu that includes A5 Wagyu steak, a kingfish collar shioyaki (salt grilled) with ponzu, and grilled Wagyu tongue with a yuzu relish.

To drink, there are half bottles of Grand Krug, plus Martinis and the unofficial national drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha.

The sleek sushi train takes centre stage when you enter the restaurant. Con’s daughter, Claudia Christopoulos, led the creative and operational development, while he oversaw the design. With stained-glass windows and reflective, textured walls, the decor at Bossa Nova is on the same level as the cooking.