Itoshin Japanese Restaurant Mermaid Beach

Gold Coast Highway outside—sleek Ginza-style dining inside. Itoshin delivers an unapologetically authentic Japanese experience. The kitchen operates with serious precision. Think home-style comfort elevated to an absolute art form. That signature duck tataki? Utterly addictive. Perfectly seared, draped in a sweet soy that demands a second order. Discerning sushi purists consistently chase their massive sashimi boats—a masterclass in texture and pure umami. We’re talking fatty salmon, pristine Spanish mackerel, and flawlessly seasoned shari (sushi rice), finished with a bespoke soy spray specifically for the nigiri. The agedashi tofu defies tradition in the best way possible, swimming in a complex, wholesome broth. Those well-versed in proper sake culture flock here for the unfiltered junmai, poured with flawless Japanese hospitality. Yes, it’s a premium ticket. Yes, a solo-chef kitchen means you might wait a beat during the dinner rush. But one bite of the impossibly light salmon tempura, and you’ll know exactly why this table is always worth the patience.