Here at BNE: HOT OR NOT we do our fair share of sushi and Japanese cuisine reviews – sushi is the new black after all.

But because of its popularity I believe many establishments think it’s a licence to print money and they cut corners in doing so.  I’ve sampled both 1 out of 10, and 10 out of 10 sushi-style venues in Brisbane over recent years and I’m glad to say that one of the newest around town, Hanabishi at The Barracks, is definitely closer to 10 than 1.

The Barracks on Petrie Terrace is home to Brisbane’s second Palace Cinemas (James Street being the first) and is a funky new complex that is going to flourish in this very central locale, with very stylish people.  Like James Street, it’s a bit like the place you can go to be seen.  Nestled in amongst the Cinemas, boutique stores and other dining venues is Hanabishi Japanese Restaurant, a sushi train-type venue.

Upon entering, MM and I were greeted with smiles and Japanese salutations that welcomed us to take a seat at the busy sushi bar.  We were promptly offered green tea and other beverages (the premises are licensed) as we settled in to see what the train had to offer.   As the train passed around for our first helping, the plates looked typical of any other sushi train – nigiri, nori rolls, tokoyaki balls etc.  It was nice to see some variations on the usual themes however, and without a doubt the fish was as fresh as you like. I also noticed the preparation area was very clean and tidy which is always nice.

I ordered a vegetable tempura to share with MM and 2 minutes later we were handed a fresh basket of lightly battered mixed veggies which were done to perfection.  We then wasted no time plucking more plates from the train, including MM’s favourites – chicken norimaki rolls smothered in mayonnaise (two thumbs up), tuna nigiri (groan of satisfaction) and salmon nigiri (more groans).

One thing that threw me a little was a definite absence of the wasabi dot on the salmon and tuna nigiri – it occurred to me that perhaps us westerners, who are more and more frequenting these Japanese venues, aren’t too fussed on this green paste that can put hairs on your chest…but they’re weak I say!  Unfortunately I didn’t get to sample my favourite fare – a sashimi platter – on this occasion, but I’m looking forward to doing so next time.

I can’t say that Hanabishi stands above and beyond any of my other regular sushi haunts in Brisbane, but it’s up there.  The fish is fresh, the portions are tidy and the prices are on par with the competition.

• Hanabishi Japanese Restaurant, The Barracks, Petrie Terrace, Paddington +61 7 3367 3889

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