Etsu Izakaya

One of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had, so bad it was like one of those comedy restaurants. They gave new meaning to packed in like sardines, 10 people on a table of 6 they ended up having to move 4 of our party to another table. One of our group had a fly in their water. 6 of us wanted the set menu, the other 4 wanted to order off the menu the waitress said everyone has to have set menu. The Waitress thought she was a model and hated her job, she was a snob, unhappy, unpleasant and unprofessional. We ordered a $ 70 bottle of sake to help elevate the stress before deciding to leave. We didn’t eat there. I’m sure it’s good food but a dining experience is just that an all encompassing experience. There are plenty of great restaurants in the Gold Coast don’t settle for bad unfriendly service here.

Fantastic hole-​in-​the-​wall Japanese dining experience on the Gold Coast. Staff are solicitous and the banquet provides a great range of dishes (warning, lots of food!). Interior design of space is funky and so different, when compared to the usual Surfers/​Broadbeach bland affairs. It is noisy, but it’s always an enjoyable night out.

This was our very first visit to Etsu Izakaya. we had driven past it numbers times, each time noticing the red lantern swaying in the breeze. it has a certain air of mystery about it, thats for sure. Exactly what we were after.
We started with the spiced Edemame, fresh and well seasoned. Paired with a ‘Japanese Gin Garden’ (Gin, Sake, Apple, basil & cucumber) and a cup of Dassai 50 Daigingo, we began our evening of gastronomic delight.
What follows is a list and description of what later made its way into bellies.
— juicy Asparagus wrapped in crispy (delicious, salty) pork belly
— the salmon carpaccio which was dressed in the most amazing mixture of things I have forgotten… it was topped with micro herbs.
It was around this point that we ordered a sec on round of drinks; Etsu Highball
Nikka from the barrel, fresh lime & Ginger topped with Fever Tree ginger ale. and the Etsu Mug Special, again I apologise but I can’t remember what was in it. It did however have a large slice of Grapefruit in it and tasted amazing.
— juicy chicken teriyaki, AMAZING SAUCE, plate licking good, came on a bed of mashed potato and a side of salad.
— green tea soba salad, a fantastic way to end the meal. full of flavour and great textures.
All in all a fantastic experience. the service is outstanding and the food fantastic. Well Done Etsu Gold Coast

Noisy little joint full of great atmosphere and divine food. Tapas style Japanese so order to share… The soft shell crab is amazing!