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Restaurant

Restaurant 16

236 Military Rd, Neutral Bay NSW 2089, Australia

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Find Restaurant 16

236 Military Rd, Neutral Bay NSW 2089, Australia

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+61 447 016 012
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Restaurant 16

Blink and you’ll pass it on Military Road—an unhurried itameshi progression pairing pristine raw seafood with handmade pasta across three to four hours. Four tables, jazz on the stereo, and just two people running the room. Chef Toru Ryu handles every plate from the kitchen while Hiroko runs the floor, setting a relaxed pace where conversations actually linger. Regulars point to the snapper sashimi seasoned with wasabi and specialty salt rather than soy sauce, followed by fried crumbed eel on crisp nori. The menu pivots seamlessly from raw ocean courses into al dente spaghetti tossed with egg, rich butter, and black truffle.

  • Intimate Table-Based Seating: Seating is capped at four tables with roughly 14 to 16 guests, favoring unhurried conversation over standard counter turnover.
  • Itameshi Tasting Menu: A seamless seasonal progression bridging ocean-fresh sashimi with handmade pasta courses like truffle spaghetti.
  • Husband-and-Wife Team: Chef Toru Ryu cooks every course solo while Hiroko manages the dining room, delivering warm, attentive hospitality.
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What's On at Restaurant 16

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

The Advantages of Dining at Restaurant 16

Why diners choose Restaurant 16 for intimate degustation dinners

  • Harmonious Japanese-Italian degustation progression

    Multi-course seasonal tasting menus naturally bridge delicate Japanese raw seafood with house-made Italian pasta dishes, moving seamlessly from pristine sashimi to dishes like butter, egg, and black truffle pasta.

    The progression of Japanese food into Italian was elegant and simply worked.

    David Ho

  • An unhurried 3- to 4-hour dining pace

    Unlike conventional omakase seatings limited to 90 or 120 minutes, the multi-course experience unfolds across an unhurried 3 to 4 hours, allowing guests to relax and savor every course without rushing.

    3.5 hours of pure blessing and feast.

    Andre Cha

  • Heartfelt hospitality from a two-person team

    Operated exclusively by husband-and-wife duo Chef Toru and Hiroko, the dining experience provides the heartfelt, personal care of being hosted in a warm private residence.

    The genuine care they show towards the food and the customers were just astounding

    Jack Luo

  • Considerate hospitality and personal farewells

    Thoughtful touches—including tailored birthday chocolate calligraphy and chefs personally seeing guests out to the door—foster genuine warmth for momentous meals.

    The chef and waitress warmly thanked us at the door upon leaving. Such a personal touch.

    Shane Gardner

  • Table-based intimacy for private conversation

    With only 4 tables accommodating around 14 to 16 guests per evening, parties enjoy quiet, private conversations and intimate anniversary and milestone gatherings free from counter crowding.

    unlike traditional omakase you don't sit at a counter, you sit at a table which allows more private conversations to take place.

    David

  • Atmosphere built for meaningful connection

    The calm atmosphere, quiet jazz, and individualized hospitality provide an ideal, unpretentious setting to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and evenings out with close companions.

    With soft music at the background, you can enjoy genuine conversation and spend quality time with your friends over the meal.

    _travelwithyoureyes_

Signature courses from the Japanese-Italian degustation

  • Sashimi

    The Sashimi comprised of four separate dishes. All were excellent but the standout was the snapper.

    Joe Khoo

  • Pasta

    The Menu then switched to an Italian theme, a traditional pasta with butter, egg and black truffle. I have had this dish in different cities around the world but this was the best version I have eaten.

    Joe Khoo

  • Wagyu

    But the true highlight was the final course: the wagyu. It was simply unforgettable. Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and bursting with deep umami flavor—it was the perfect finale to an exceptional meal.

    Rose K

  • Sea Urchin

    The Sea Urchin was nicely presented and the dressing matched perfectly. It was quite possibly the most memorable single piece of food I have eaten in my life.

    Joe Khoo

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful touches and heartfelt hospitality that elevate the dining experience at Restaurant 16.

  • Warm Hand Wipes for Finger-Food Courses

    For courses meant to be enjoyed by hand, warm hand wipes are thoughtfully provided right after the dish.

  • Personal Doorstep Farewell by Chef and Host

    At the conclusion of the evening, Chef Toru and Hiroko personally come out to the door to thank diners and bid them farewell.

  • Hand-Drawn Chocolate Celebration Artwork

    Celebration desserts feature custom touches, such as delicate birthday illustrations drawn by hand in chocolate.

  • Detailed Ingredient & Sourcing Storytelling

    Each course arrives with a detailed tableside introduction covering individual ingredients and their provenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cuisine is served on the degustation menu?

The multi-course degustation weaves traditional Japanese omakase elements like fresh sashimi and sea urchin with house-made Italian courses such as pasta and wagyu beef.

How long does the omakase dining experience take?

Plan for an unhurried dining experience lasting between 3 and 4 hours for the complete tasting menu.

What is the dining room setup and seating arrangement?

Unlike traditional sushi counters, guests are seated at dining tables across a quiet room with only about four tables, allowing for private conversation.

Do you need to book a table in advance?

Because the restaurant is very intimate with only about four tables (accommodating 14 to 16 guests a night), reservations are essential and accepted in advance.

Where can you park when visiting?

There is street parking available directly outside the restaurant along Military Road, as well as a nearby Woolworths car park.

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