SUMI

Tucked inside the lively dining precinct of City Works Depot in Central Auckland, Sumi brings the bold flavours and theatre of Japanese charcoal grilling to the city’s food scene. The restaurant centres around the ancient cooking technique of robatayaki, where ingredients are grilled over traditional binchotan charcoal to create distinctive smoky flavours and crisp textures. The result is a vibrant dining experience that feels both authentic and contemporary, with the glow of the open grill at the heart of the restaurant.

Led by chef-owner Jason Lee, Sumi channels the relaxed energy of a Tokyo izakaya — a place to gather with friends over small plates, drinks and lively conversation. Diners can sit around the open grill watching chefs prepare skewers of seafood, meats and vegetables, alongside beautifully presented sashimi and seasonal specials. Signature dishes such as flame-grilled eel, king prawns and charcoal-grilled lamb chops showcase the menu’s smoky depth and commitment to fresh ingredients.

Alongside the food, Sumi offers a carefully curated drinks list of sake, Japanese whisky, hi-balls and ice-cold beer, completing the casual yet elevated izakaya experience. With its energetic atmosphere, dramatic grill and flavour-driven menu, Sumi has quickly become one of Auckland’s most talked-about Japanese dining destinations — a place where fire, flavour and convivial dining come together.