High above the bustling streets of Sydney’s CBD, Joji invites you into a world of elegance and intrigue—a rooftop bar wrapped in Japanese allure and Esca Group’s unmistakable flair. This isn’t just a new venue; it’s a meticulously crafted experience, born from the same creative minds that brought the city dining icons like Aalia, Nour, and Ito. With Joji, Esca has taken the leap from fine dining to cocktails, curating a space as opulent as the Cartier jewels that glitter just below.
Stepping into Joji feels like being whisked away into a hidden retreat where every corner is a feast for the senses.
The bar’s layout stretches across a sweeping 310 square meters, seamlessly weaving together a cocktail lounge that begs for long, languid conversations, a dining area as intimate as it is chic, and an outdoor terrace with the city skyline stretched before you like a painted backdrop. It’s a space designed to be explored and savored, a rare gem for both weekday relaxation and weekend revelry.
Joji’s cocktail menu reads like a poetic tribute to Japanese aesthetics. Divided into categories inspired by cultural principles, each drink offers a nuanced experience. Start with “shibui”—a selection of drinks that revel in the beauty of simplicity, each sip unveiling layers of subtlety. The “wabi-sabi” lineup celebrates the art of imperfection, with cocktails that embrace unexpected pairings. “Datsuzoku” entices those who crave the extraordinary, while “temperates” present balanced flavors for those who seek a harmonious escape. In each glass, flavors and aromas are woven like brushstrokes on a canvas, daring guests to step outside the usual cocktail playbook. Standout creations include an Old Fashioned with Fuji whisky that pairs with roasted grapes for a surprising, smoky finish, and the vibrant Ichigo, a mix of Haku vodka, strawberry, matcha, clarified yogurt, and toasted milk, as delicate as it is daring.
But the drinks are only half of Joji’s allure. Esca’s culinary wizard, Group Executive Chef Paul Farag, has crafted a menu that turns Japanese classics into showstoppers, creating dishes meant for sharing and savoring well into the night. At the heart of the kitchen is the massive two-meter robata grill, where king prawns, boneless chicken wings, and A5 Wagyu are charred to perfection, creating that unmistakable, smoky magic that only a charcoal grill can provide.
First to arrive, with all the elegance of a silk kimono sliding off the shoulder, is the Joji Sashimi Plate. These cuts of fish are like jewels from the ocean, laid out in gleaming splashes of pink and coral, as if the sea herself sent you a love note. It’s so fresh it practically breathes, each slice tender and whisper-thin, melting on your tongue like a stolen kiss. There’s an intimacy to this dish, an unspoken bond between the sashimi and the sea, and you’re the lucky one caught in their dance.
Then enters the Beef Tartar, raw and rugged, with an unpolished charm that needs no introduction. This isn’t your dainty tartar—it’s bold, robust, and unashamedly primal.
Like the allure of dark eyes across a dimly lit room, it beckons with a richness that feels almost forbidden. The meat is soft, yielding with each bite, while the subtle seasoning drapes it in warmth, like a blanket shared on a cold night. It’s the dish that says, “Let’s take things slow,” and you’re all too willing to oblige.
But just as you’re swept up in the tartar’s intensity, the A5 Wagyu Cube steals the spotlight, and oh, what a show it is. This isn’t merely meat—it’s an affair of the senses. Imagine a piece of beef so marbled it glistens, each bite so luscious it borders on sinful. As you take a bite, the flavors unfold like silk on the tongue, warm and rich, so soft you barely need to chew. This wagyu doesn’t just melt; it seduces. It’s a savory sonnet, an ode to indulgence so perfect it could make even the most disciplined diner swoon.
Next, like a smoky breath against your neck, the Burnt Leeks with Goma Dressing bring a subtlety that’s earthy and unassuming yet deeply compelling. The charred edges add an alluring smokiness, while the sesame goma dressing drapes the leeks in a nutty warmth, like hands slipping into familiar gloves. It’s simple, yes, but in that simplicity lies a quiet sophistication—each bite is a reminder that sometimes, less is more.
For a palate refresher, the Cabbage and Seaweed Salad breezes in with its cool, crisp leaves. The avocado lends a creamy richness, while the plum dressing sings with a tangy, sweet allure that lingers on your tongue like the memory of a summer romance. Light yet intriguing, this salad feels like the friend who’s too effortlessly chic to try—just a splash of flavor, a hint of sea salt, and you’re left wanting more.
The next act in Joji’s symphony is the Scallop & Bug Sando. Oh, this one’s a rebel. Nestled in a buttery bun with a dollop of pickled cabbage mayo, it’s everything you never knew you craved. The sweetness of the scallop and Moreton Bay bug is brought to life by the punchy, tangy mayo, a contrast so sharp it’s electric. With each bite, there’s a sizzle, a spark, like stepping off the curb and catching the eye of someone you know will change your night. It’s a thrill, a fleeting rush, and one you can’t stop savoring.
Finally, the King Prawn with Bonito Cream and Pickled Ginger makes its entrance. There’s something regal about this dish, a lavishness that feels almost too grand for mere mortals. The prawn is perfectly plump, bathed in a cloud of bonito cream that coats your mouth with a warm, velvety richness. And just when you think you’ve succumbed entirely, the pickled ginger cuts through with a zing, a sharp breath that brings you back to earth. It’s the crescendo, the grand finale, the curtain call you’ll be thinking about long after the night is over.
Joji isn’t just a bar; it’s a love affair with Japanese flavors, a rooftop romance where every dish is poetry on a plate. Here, dining isn’t a transaction—it’s a seduction, a dance, a whispered promise under city lights. So let the sashimi seduce you, the wagyu woo you, and the cocktails carry you higher than the rooftop itself. At Joji, every bite is a taste of luxury, a moment you won’t soon forget.
As the evening deepens and city lights begin to twinkle, Joji transforms. The bar’s live DJs spin an eclectic mix of vinyl and old-school beats, adding to the ambiance of mystery and allure. Open until 2 am every night, Joji’s rhythm pulses into the early hours, a siren call for Sydney’s night lovers and cocktail connoisseurs.
For those searching for a sanctuary that combines sophistication, charm, and just the right hint of mischief, Joji is the city’s latest calling card. In every drink poured, every dish served, and every note played, Joji invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and step into something as unforgettable as it is irresistible.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Joji and AW.