Zensai, Broome

Zensai, Cable Beach Resort and Spa’s intimate Japanese restaurant lives up to its name. The Resort’s executive chef Joji Iwama named the award-winning restaurant Zensai, meaning ‘small pretty things’ in Japanese. Food here not only looks sensational, but it’s the taste that makes this one of Broome’s best. Joji takes diners on a culinary journey to his homeland, Japan, offering à la carte with a sample of traditional favourites from fresh sashimi to tempura, yakitori and yakiton. There’s also a set five-course menu with lots of choice or you can make it simple and say “Omakase”, which means – leave it to the chef.

A cherry blossom cocktail with Kizakura sake, Cointreau, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice and a dash of orange bitters is a great starter to the memorable Japanese feast. Sweet soy braised pork belly with mustard, Tempura prawns and vegetables with soy mirin dip, grated daikon and ginger, sashimi of the day, grilled Hiramasa kingfish fillet in teriyaki sauce with steamed rice and miso soup and a finale of green tea or black sesame ice cream are the highlights. There’s a great selection of sake and wine on offer and service is impressive. It’s an intimate restaurant accommodating 28 guests and is open for dinner from Friday to Tuesday. cablebeachclub.com