Joy Liu, the owner behind Amuro Darlinghurst, alongside venue manager Akie Ueda, will open their second venue, Aenza, in the Oxford & Foley development in Darlinghurst in late winter.
Following the success of Amuro, a hidden, saké-led counter experience inspired by the intimacy of Tokyo backstreets, Aenza marks an exciting next step for the team, and a continued commitment to championing the Darlinghurst area. While Amuro focuses on quiet connection and familiarity, Aenza expands this vision into a larger, more social and expressive format.
Liu, Amuro and Aenza owner said: “Aenza is the next expression of what we started with Amuro. We wanted to explore what a wine-led, Japanese-inspired experience could look like through our lens. Wine is such a social connector, and that sits at the heart of what we want Aenza to be. Having two venues so close to each other in Darlinghurst feels right, being able to walk between our venues and grow in this neighbourhood is something we’re really proud of.”
The menu at Aenza will offer Japanese flavours interpreted through an Australian lens. At the centre of the venue is an open kitchen. Dishes from the Aenza menu include: a sashimi plate of premium Australian and Japanese seafood served with house-made sauces; alongside interpretations of izakaya staples karaage and potato salad. The menu will also feature a section of wok-cooked dishes.
Complementing the food is a curated wine program that represents a distinct point of difference within Sydney’s Japanese dining landscape. The curated 80-bottle wine list brings together the elegance of European wines with the delicate flavours of Japanese cuisine. A list of 25 wine-by-the-glass allows guests to explore thoughtful pairings designed to complement the menu. Alongside the wine list, there will be a rotating sake selection available by the glass, as well a range of Japanese whisky, gin, shochu and seasonal fruit liqueurs.
The 50-seat venue, designed by Like Minds Studio, will make use of the buildings’ aged rendered walls and their natural patina as the foundation for the space. A palette of textured granite, timber furniture and a softened sandblasted steel canopy will create an atmosphere that feels effortless and calm.
Aenza will be open for dinner six nights a week, Wednesday to Monday.