NIPO, a Japanese-Brazilian fusion restaurant on Newcastle Quayside, has opened its doors to the public after a launch event for invited guests the night before. The restaurant welcomed its first diners last Wednesday and has now completed its opening weekend, with its unique menu combining Japanese and Brazilian cuisine now available to try.
Signature sharing dish and menu highlights
Among the options on the 'Fire & Feast' section of the menu is the Costela NIPO sharing dish, described as a comfort food meal of slow-cooked, fall-apart beef rib with mandioca mash - a root vegetable also called yuca, widely used in Brazilian dishes. Served with rich gravy, a sprinkle of leaf and pickled shallot, it is expected to be a hit with non-vegetarians.
The menu, which includes new creations by head chef Connor Marley, describes itself as a 'journey of taste'. It ranges from small to large plates, and from sushi to steaks, including filet mignon and Wagyu sirloin, inviting diners to explore combinations of Brazilian and Japanese flavours and cooking techniques.
Unique dining experience and cocktails
The restaurant, named after the Nipo-Brasileiro - Japanese-Brazilian - community living around the São Paulo area of Brazil, offers a sushi bar next to its long drinks bar, with sushi having its own dedicated page on the menu. Options include a trio of salmon, black cod and tuna with pickled daikon, a Japanese radish.
Vegetarians and vegans are catered for with dishes such as veggie nigiri and noodles, while desserts include pavlova with Brazilian passion fruit. The cocktail menu features options like a Japanese Old Fashioned and, among the favourites of its creator, area manager Chris Barron, a Yuzu & Ginger Martini made silky with a touch of egg white.
Early feedback and future plans
Comments on NIPO's Facebook page during its opening weekend included one saying: "Delicious food in a beautiful restaurant with excellent service." Another wrote: "Really want to go here."
Founders Rodrigo Grassi Duarte and Howard Eggleston, who also run Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, intend to watch NIPO settle in and then look at plans to expand their unique NIPO concept.
