Images: Nagomi (supplied)
Nagomi, the first Australian venture from Japan’s Umu Group, has just opened its doors on Adelaide’s city fringe. With six restaurants already established back home, owner Jin says the team wanted to give Australians a way to experience Japanese food in an approachable, authentic way.
“We opened this restaurant with the hope that Australians would be able to casually try delicious Japanese food and learn more about Japan,” he says.
The name Nagomi means “a state of gentle calmness in the mind, expression, and atmosphere,” a concept with deep roots in Japanese culture. It also reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of Ningenryoku – “finding happiness and bringing joy to others” – something Jin says his team brings to life through warm service and attention to detail.
The menu, still being fine-tuned, takes inspiration from Osaka – often called Japan’s kitchen. It’s anchored by sushi. You’ll find things like wagyu tataki and kingfish nigiri, takoyaki (octopus and wheat flour balls) in hand rolls, as well as oshizushi, an Osaka-style sushi box with a variety of seafood options.
There’s also crowd-favourites ramen and tempura with plum and shiso sauce, as well as earthenware clay pots – a staple in Japanese households for rice, soup or shabu-shabu (hotpot).
Oyster lovers are treated to a Japanese twist on the mignonette, Ogami’s is with spring onions and yuzu (Asian citrus) ponzu, for a zesty hit to the palate.
If there’s one thing about Nagomi, it doesn’t sway from being “uniquely Japanese,” says Jin. “The menu is prepared in a traditional Japanese style, and we offer a variety of Osaka-themed dishes,” he adds.
To drink, Nagomi offers a broad range of sake (fermented rice beverage) and plum wine, complemented by Adelaide wines. The drinks list, like the food, is designed to balance tradition with location.
Then there’s the venue. There’s something strangely comforting in a dim-lit, wood-heavy Japanese joint. Maybe it’s a nostalgia thing, but if you’re after full Japanese immersion, it’s compulsory – and Nagomi have nailed it. From the modest Hutt Street frontage, the space stretches back long and dark, much like the hole-in-the-walls lining Osaka and Tokyo.
“We want people to feel like they are stepping into Japan, but also discovering something new in Adelaide,” adds Jin.
“I want to spread my culture to Adelaide, and the rest of Australia.”
With a team eager to showcase Osakan cuisine and a city with a proven appetite for Japanese dining, Nagomi has arrived East End at just the right moment.
What: Nagomi Japanese
Where: 5/242 Hutt St, Adelaide
When: Tuesday to Sunday 5-9pm
@nagomi_adelaide
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