Ruki Robatayaki Japanese restaurant and bar is a welcome new addition to the Wollongong dining scene. Photo: Andrew Ratter Photography.
Wollongong’s dining scene just got a lift with Ruki, a robatayaki Japanese restaurant and bar that’s settled into the old Red Square spot on Keira Street.
Red Square was the go-to hangout for youngsters to sip lolly-infused vodka sodas. Now, Ruki’s taken it up a fair few notches with food for the discerning palate – but don’t worry, it’s still got that lively bar buzz.
The team behind Debutant, the suave French steakhouse across the road, and Rookie, which closed just a month before Ruki opened, are behind it all.
Chef-owner Daniel Sherley has swapped Rookie’s Southeast Asian flavours and name for a full-on dive into Japanese cuisine with Ruki. The result is a venue that feels both familiar and excitingly new for Wollongong.
Step inside and the old Red Square layout is nowhere to be seen. Sure, the venue’s bones are there, like the long bar on the left and the tables on the right, but the two levels now have a sleek and modern edge.
Black and red tones, softened by Tokyo-inspired art, strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. It’s equal parts cool and inviting, with a warm welcome from the friendly staff.
The wine list features some excellent bottles, and the cocktails add a playful twist. Kick off with the yakuza margarita, a yuzu-charged spin on the classic that’s already the talk of the town.
Refreshing and easy to love, it sets the mood. They show good taste with Swinging Bridge’s orange wine on the by-the-glass menu, highlighting great regional Australian wines and elegant selections.
From the raw section, the kingfish is a standout. It’s fresh and lively with wasabi peas and puffed wild rice, and a ginger-ponzu dressing adds a bright kick.
Then there are the salmon tacos, where fresh salmon chunks are tossed between pickled cucumber, chives, a hint of chilli crunch and mayo, all nestled in a fried taco shell. Everything is perfectly balanced, which is part of the appeal of Japanese cuisine. Ruki has hit it on the head!
The robatayaki grill is where Ruki lets fire do the talking, charring a line-up of meats to smoky perfection.
The chicken thigh with shallots is juicy and subtly sweet, while the 9+ wagyu rump with toasted nori and black garlic melts in your mouth. Each stick is simple, showcasing high-quality meat kissed by flames, without overcomplicating the flavours. We can appreciate the refinement.
The mains hold the best dish on the menu in our opinion. All hail the full blood wagyu steak, cooked medium rare with a glossy miso sauce and a touch of kombu butter. It’s crowned with beer-battered onions, adding a subtle sweetness when paired with the meat, while the batter soaks up all the sauce flavours.
And the deep-fried almond magnum with salted miso caramel left us wishing we had stayed for dessert.
Prices here feel refreshingly fair. Most dishes won’t break the bank, and the $89 per person banquet is an excellent option for those wanting to dine without the fuss of choosing. Everything was spot on, so you can’t go wrong.
Each Friday they offer ‘Crazy Hour’ between 3 and 6 pm where you can sip $10 local beers and cocktails. It’s a great way to wind down and settle in for the weekend.
Ruki fills a gap in Wollongong we didn’t even know existed. It’s an izakaya-style spot that’s casual, lively and packed with flavour. It doesn’t need to shout for attention, it just does its thing with quiet confidence. We’re already planning our next visit.
Ruki Robatayaki is at 108 Keira Street, Wollongong; phone 4228 8371, or visit Facebook, Instagram. Opening hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 2 pm till late; Friday to Sunday, noon till late.
