Sushi Wars

My children would eat sushi for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I allowed it. Luckily, we are spoilt for choice here in the upper Mountains, with two of the best sushi outlets close by: Mountain Sushi Bar in Wentworth Falls and Hana Japanese Restaurant in Leura. Let the battle begin…

Mountain Sushi Bar opens at 11am from Tuesday to Saturday, and you want to get there early as there’s usually a queue by that time and the sushi goes fast. This is a testament to the quality ingredients and generous amount of fillings used. Seaweed salad, miso soup, home made ice cream and various other Japanese snacks are also available. All food is prepared for takeaway, and there is a small seating area outside. Better still, grab your sushi rolls and head to Wentworth Falls lake or another local park to enjoy your lunch.

If you’re craving Japanese for dinner, Hana Japanese Restaurant is hugely popular amongst mountain locals – you’ll need to book a table most nights. Hana is also open for lunch, with a lunch special available along with their regular menu. The interior is simple but charmingly filled with a variety of Japanese knick-knacks; the food is authentic and never disappoints, the reason people keep coming back.

We usually start with the edamame (soy beans boiled in their pod and tossed in salt), followed by a sashimi plate and a variety of sushi. The tempura is hard to beat, with both vegetarian and a vego/seafood mix on offer. The salmon teriyaki hotplate and the deep fried chicken are also favourites, and during colder weather, the udon and soba noodle dishes will warm both hands and heart. Hana welcomes kids and is both fully licensed and BYO.

Mountain Sushi Bar is located at Shop 13, 28 Station Street Wentworth Falls. You can pre-order sushi platters either in store or by phoning 02 4757 1150. Opening hours are 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Hana Japanese Restaurant is located at 121 The Mall, Leura, on the top floor of the Hillcrest Coachman building. Entry is via a side door off the carpark. Hana is open for lunch from 12-2.30pm and dinner from 5.30-9pm Tuesday to Saturday. Take away is available by ordering at the counter, or by phoning 02 4784 1345.

So really, there are no losers in the sushi wars… except my children when they want sushi for breakfast. For everyone else, with a little forward planning you can have a lunch or dinner feast of delicious sushi and other Japanese culinary delights at one of these quality establishments.

WORDS and IMAGES by KELLIE HAMMON