Âpé Chilean Nikkei Restaurant

Darkened under moonlike stretched canvas lights, Âpé Chilean Nikkei Restaurant is an eating theatre. Guests are arranged down a restaurant-length banquette. Those on the comfy side get a view into the glass box kitchen where chefs minister to yakitori skewers. The wagyu rib fingers ($9.50/each) painted with tare (soy sauce, sake and mirin) are Binnie Beef from Mirannie. They’re good, but not as good as the wagyu picanha ($10/each) where the cap of the rump is skewered with eggplant and roasted over charcoal before being dusted with crisp kale. The restaurant, which is part of Newcastle’s waterfront eating strip, Honeysuckle Drive, also has outdoor seating. With the weather on the turn, we cozied up inside with a bottle of the Shichida junmai ginjo ($129/720ml). This sake is soft and ricey with a whisker of white peach sweetness and faint acetone intrigue. While it felt like a big spend on booze, the markup was reasonable, and I enjoyed every cup. Your first Sydney rock oyster ($36/6) might come as a surprise here. Served warm from the charcoal grill, they’re soaked in chicken skin oil spiked with salsa criolla and smoked chilli garlic confit. It plays to the meaty character of the oyster rather than brine. Receiving three rice crackers for two diners sharing the beef crudo ($26) is a hill my dining companion is willing to die on. Why not four? While the kitchen did send out an additional wafer, it could have been done without a Dutton-esque alternative truth that most eat the dish solo, especially as the crudo was listed under “Share”. Abrolhos octopus ($36), plucked from the same section, is made substantial with a thick puddle of daikon potato cream. Charred seasonal beans ($12) and a gluggy king mushroom garlic rice ($22) helped make our selections a filling and balanced meal.

Absolutely fantastic. We had the 'Feed Me' set menu and it was delicious, innovative and plentiful. Good wine list and imported Japanese beers on tap. Service was great and overall very happy with our experience.

Apé Yakitori is now our go-to Japanese restaurant around Newcastle for special occasions. We’ve been here for Valentine’s, anniversary, and birthdays and it has never failed us with the quality and taste of the food that they put out. My partner and I particularly like being able to see their little kitchen and watch the talented chefs make these scrumptious food. The service provided by their waitstaff is always top-tier. It is definitely a bit more price-y than some other restaurants, but the prices are definitely reasonable and worth it with what you get. A definite favourite and I highly recommend for anyone who hasn’t been to Apé to come check it out.

The food here was insanely good, an amazing combination of flavours and dishes, love the classic yakitori chargrill flavour, staff were absolutely lovely, but like... How insane is the urinal sink combination, like what the heck, no unnecessary movements; turning around walking out to a sink, it's just right there already, that's taken my experience to another level, absolutely insane, I had to stand back and admire it for all its glory, keep up the good work.

We had such a great night at Âpé! The food was fantastic as was the service. I would definitely recommend Âpé for a perfect relaxed evening.

From the moment we stepped into APE, we knew we were in for something special, and it certainly delivered! This isn't just a meal; it's a truly immersive dining experience that tantalizes all your senses. The food here is simply excellent. While the portion sizes might not be overtly large, every single bite is packed with unique and exquisite flavors that leave a lasting impression. We needed a little guidance navigating the menu, especially with our dietary preferences (vegetarian and gluten-free), and the restaurant manager was an absolute gem. Their knowledge and helpfulness made our choices so much easier and more enjoyable. Among the many delightful dishes, the charcoal-baked sweet potato truly stood out – it was outstanding, a perfect blend of smoky richness and natural sweetness. Beyond the incredible food, the staff, especially our waiters, were lovely and attentive, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere. We highly recommend APE to anyone looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure. It's more than just eating; it's an experience you'll want to relive!

Absolutely 5-stars for everything!! The food was amazing, the service was very friendly and helpful and the location is central with a lovely view.

This place is such a vibe! We sat and the bar, had the feed me dinner menu and it was the perfect way to spend our anniversary. Each dish was carefully thought out, packed a flavour punch and came out in perfect timing. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was cosy and the wine list impressive. Long time Nagisa lovers, it was our first time at Ape and we will be back