This Surry Hills Bar Is A Haven For Japanophiles

Anyone who’s been to Japan knows it’s an explosion of the senses. The lights, the crowds, the food – there is no other the country in the world that compares to Japan. And, luckily for Sydneysiders, they can get in on the action at Japanese-themed bar and restaurant Goros.

A place celebrating all things Japan without the nine-hour flight? You’re welcome.

Taking a cue from Tokyo’s best eateries and bars, which, for the most part, are incredibly tricky to find, Goros is tucked away in a quiet side street in Surry Hills. Inside, though, the atmosphere is far from discrete. In fact, the best way to describe Goros is an electric playground dive bar.

Let’s begin with entertainment, shall we? As any Japanophile knows, karaoke is big in Japan. And it’s big at Goros, too, with three fully decked-out booths. They’ve also got heaps of retro arcade games and a pool table, too. Whether you’re there with a date or hanging with a few mates, you can rest assured you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied and the conversation going.

With all that game-playing, you’re likely to work up an appetite. Edamame, tempura, gyoza, spicy chicken wings… you name a Japanese dish, and Goros has likely got it. You won’t go wrong ordering the silky takoyaki, miso-glazed salmon, and a bowl of lotus root chips to share. Finish with a green tea ice-cream parfait and thank us later.

The best bit? Many of their menu favourites are available late-night too. You know, so you can satisfy those five-drinks-in, boozy cravings.

While we’re on the topic, let’s chat drinks. Because no authentic Japanese spot would be complete without an offering of quality drinks, and Goros really delivers. They’ve got a huge range of sake. They’ve got highballs. They’ve got cocktails. And, of course, they’ve got wine and beer – you just have to ask.

Our picks to get you started? Try Goros Iced Tea, a cocktail with green tea, three white spirits and lemonade, or Vodka Apple, a delicious mix of Eristoff vodka and fresh-pressed apple. The Fruity & Mellow Sake, for its part, doesn’t need much of a taste explanation.

Though Goros is open for lunch through until 12am or 1am most nights of the week and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, you should do yourself a favour and check the What’s On section of their website. There’s a regular line-up of local DJs and live performances by some of the industry’s most exciting characters – take Japanese hip-hop pioneer Coma Chi, for example – along with quirky interactive entertainment like LED robots and anime characters.

Add to that three fully decked-out karaoke booths and no lock-outs, and you’ve got a recipe for a freaking awesome night now.

They’ve always got heaps of special events on, and everyone knows that translates to nights with drink specials. And who doesn’t like drinks specials? So yeah, we suggest you hop online to know when exactly to rally the crew. 

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