This Moody New Yakitori Bar Just Opened In A Brisbane Laneway
Ignite your senses
Brisbane’s dining scene has continued to flourish over the years, offering food lovers an ever-expanding array of venues to explore. Yet, the city’s all-new yakitori bar is bringing something entirely fresh to the table – an immersive dining experience unlike anything Brisbane has seen before.
Venture down the CBD’s Burnett Lane and you’ll stumble upon Hideki. Set against the hipster backdrop of the alleyway, it seems a stark contradiction to its surroundings, enticing curious passersby to discover what lies beyond the dramatic black sliding door.
“We love the sense of discovery that comes with being tucked away in this iconic laneway… it’s like uncovering a hidden gem, which is exactly how we want diners to feel when they step inside,” shares Co-Owner Joe Chagoury. Together with business partner Wasim Ghanem and Wasim’s wife, Sophia Klemenz-Ghanem of Klemenza, who led the interior design, the team set out to bring the art of yakitori to Brisbane, honouring Japanese culture where dining is as much about community as it is about flavour.
“It’s our belief that a dining experience should ignite all five senses, and we hope that everyone leaves Hideki with an enlightened sense of connection to the food, the people they’re with, and the culture that inspired it all,” Joe says.
At Hideki, yakitori takes centre stage – a feature of Japanese cuisine that is often underrepresented outside of Japan. Grilled over charcoal to create a beautiful smoked flavour, each skewer represents the art form of yakitori – simple yet perfectly balanced. This, combined with the refined sophistication of the venue, will transport you straight to the heart of Japan.
“There’s something uniquely captivating about the simplicity and precision of grilling over charcoal,” Joe explains. “It felt like the perfect way to introduce Brisbane to a dining style that is approachable yet elevated.”
Hideki, Burnett Lane
With a menu crafted to encourage sharing, much like the traditional izakaya experience, expect the aforementioned charcoal-grilled skewers, alongside a selection of small plates. The menu is built on the finest local and international ingredients – from ethically farmed poultry and sustainably sourced seafood to specialty items imported from Japan, each dish highlights quality and craftsmanship.
Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Jason, who has spent over a decade mastering the intricacies of Japanese cuisine, honing his skills in renowned restaurants like Takashiya, Honto, and Etsu. With a deep respect for tradition and a flair for innovation, Jason’s passion for creating dishes that blend authenticity with interesting, bold flavour profiles results in standout dining experiences.
The drinks menu has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the dining experience, focusing on Japanese whiskey and sake. Joe cites the whiskey collection as a highlight, featuring rare labels like Hibiki, Yamazaki, and Nikka, which will delight whiskey enthusiasts. As for the cocktail lovers, the drinks infuse iconic Japanese flavours such as yuzu, wasabi, and matcha, incorporating a creative edge to the beverage list.
Hideki, Burnett Lane
As Hideki makes its mark on Burnett Lane, the team is preparing to launch Hideki 2.0 on James St in mid-January. This second location will offer a more vibrant, urban atmosphere with a menu tailored to a faster-paced crowd. While the signature yakitori experience remains, diners can look forward to modern sushi and coastal-inspired dishes that celebrate Brisbane’s proximity to the sea.
