A sprinkling of magic at Sydney’s hottest new restaurant

There’s no messing around at Monkey Magic.  As soon as you walk into the dimly lit restaurant on Sydney’s Crown Street, a quick scan of the room gives the sensation that you know you’re in for a good time with communal tables, open bar, and even a peak into the kitchen.

Dark mahogany sets the scene, elegant but semi-formal, which also relays into the dishes served up by the masterful chefs.  There is a lot of debate about fusion cooking, but Monkey Magic hits the right balance with its Japanese creations and a hint of Western influence.

Even the cocktail list is impressive, and Japanese inspired too.  The Agehi Tokyo Punch is the house favourite, and I can see why.  Tropical flavours of passionfruit, pineapple and mint mixed together and served tall with ice is refreshing, but not sickly sweet, and hits the spot after a long day.

Service is friendly, professional and most importantly, informative, with the waiters able to answer questions about the unfamiliar menu as well as suggestions on which dishes and wines compliment dining.

Variations on classic dishes with a Japanese twist are evident from the start, with a list of appetizers that sound both delicious and a little curious at the same time. Opting for the Renkon Chips and Salt and Pepper Cuttlefish, both served very differently to a stack of potato chips or salt and pepper squid, are both delicious and fresh.

Visitors to Monkey Magic must try the sushi rolls, sashimi or Nigiri, or a sampling of all three.  Very different to the sort from takeaway diners, you can tell these have been hand made and fresh just before serving.  The Monkey Magic Sushi Sampler is a great introduction to those not so familiar with Japanese cuisine, topped off with the restaurant’s very own special seasoning and sauces.  The soft shell crab rolls are also not to be missed, and a nice sampler of the more traditional sushi rolls.

Mains include popular favourites, Teriyaki Chicken and Salmon, but it is the Saikyo Miso Toothfish that really showcases Monkey Magic’s innovative style of cooking.  The dish is served with tea-smoked oyster and pink grapefruit salad topped off with harissa dressing, creating an interesting mix of Asian and Western influences.

Creativity in the kitchen also includes the pastry chef, as evident with the desserts on offer.  A must-try is the Banana, white chocolate and Shiso Harumaki, a delicate blend of sweet, soft and crunchy; it is served warm and is a complimentary end to a feast at Monkey Magic.

Monkey Magic can also accommodate large dinner groups, cocktail parties or other events, using both the upstairs and street-level areas. 

Monkey Magic Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Closed Sundays

The restaurant is located at:
3&4, 410 Crown St. Surry Hills NSW 2010

To contact the restaurant, please call:
02 9358 4444