NIPO, Newcastle's newest restaurant, has opened on the Quayside, offering a fusion menu combining Japanese and Brazilian cuisines. The restaurant opened its doors on Wednesday, following a private event for invited guests the night before, and is already seeing strong demand for its first weekend.
Signature Dish and Menu Highlights
Among the highlights is the Costela NIPO, a sharing dish from the 'Fire & Feast' section of the menu. It features slow-cooked beef rib served with mandioca mash, a root vegetable also known as yuca, widely used in Brazilian cooking. The dish is accompanied by rich gravy, a sprinkle of leaf, and pickled shallot.
The menu, led by head chef Connor Marley, is described as a 'journey of taste'. It ranges from small to large plates, including sushi and steaks such as filet mignon and Wagyu sirloin. Other offerings include a fillet tataki starter—lightly seared beef fillet with ponzu, a citrusy Japanese dressing, sesame seeds, and a hint of chilli.
Cocktails and Ambience
The cocktail list includes a Japanese Old Fashioned and a Yuzu & Ginger Martini, the latter a favourite of its creator, area manager Chris Barron, made silky with a touch of egg white. The restaurant's interior features dining areas with floral elements and atmospheric lighting.
NIPO is named after the Nipo-Brasileiro community, centred around São Paulo in Brazil. The founders, Rodrigo Grassi Duarte and Howard Eggleston, who also run Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, plan to expand the NIPO concept in the future.
