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Nakano Darling, Haymarket, AU-NSW

Nakano Darling

4.7 (22)
$40 and under
Izakaya
14 Steam Mill La, Haymarket, AU-NSW 2000

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Lively
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
If you go beyond the wooden benches and beer crates out front of Nakano Darling's ever-changing facade, you might feel like you've stepped into a different world in Tokyo.

This place is where Suntory whiskey, sake, sochu, umeshu, and beer are freely flowing, and Japanese is spoken all around. It's a spot where anyone who loves good booze and delicious food could easily lose themselves for entire nights if not days. Nakano Darling represents everything that makes the izakaya, or humble 'stay-drink-place', such a central and beloved part of Japanese culture.

Of course, you'll find all the food and drink favourites here (think homemade gyoza, karaage chicken, and whisky cocktails), but it's about more than just that. It's about the experience.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Izakaya, Japanese Speciality, Japanese
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Phone number
    0477 607 867
  • Website
    https://nakanodarling.com.au/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    14 Steam Mill La, Haymarket, AU-NSW 2000
  • Neighborhood
    Haymarket
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Experiences

  • Happy hour

    Multiple dates available
    Happy hour

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 22 people are saying

Nakano Darling reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • Sydney

    Lively

  • Sydney City

    Best Food

  • Sydney City

    Best Ambiance

  • Sydney City

    Best Value

  • Sydney City

    Good for groups

  • Sydney City

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Sydney City

    Hot spot

  • Sydney City

    Neighborhood gem

  • Sydney City

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Sydney City

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Nakano Darling transports you to Japan with its "authentic delicious" flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Guests rave about the "outstanding food," "great service," and "great prices." The restaurant is a hit for families and night-goers alike, offering a memorable dining experience that's "never disappointing." Book ahead for a seamless visit!

22 Reviews

  1. Emily

    New South Wales3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    So yummy and very cool atmosphere, made me feel like I was back in Japan. Food is a good price and taste so good.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Rhett

    Sydney5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Might as well be in Japan. Authentic delicious and fun!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kylie

    Sydney1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dining with little ones - service was so quick, staff made room for scooters/strollers. Outstanding food as always!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Brodie

    Sydney1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Experience was awesome Julian our waiter was fantastic very helpful explain the meals

    Is this helpful?

  5. Yan

    Sydney1 review

    1.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We went there with $150 gift voucher. What we got for the bill was $114. The manager said there no credit for the balance. That’s a robbery. Only offer a can of cola. I didn’t have time to argue.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Sydney1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Regularly visit Nakano Darling and am never disappointed

    Is this helpful?

  7. Xinyue

    Sydney1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Authentic food and nice sake. great staffs as well, had a really good birthday dinner here!

    Is this helpful?

  8. A

    Sydney1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great atmosphere, great prices. Pre-book if you don't want to wait a while for your table. Really good experience at a reasonable price.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Andrew

    Sydney1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every dish was delicious and service was awesome. Highly recommend for a hangout or date.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Will

    Sydney1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great location and vibe - felt like I was back in Japan. Takoyaki was good and the cabbage with plum sauce & sesame was a real find. However, sweet tasting karage was odd - and the drinks menu limited (no wines). Pretty good all round

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Nakano Darling offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 0477 607 867.

Nakano Darling is rated 4.7 stars by 22 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Sydney
  4. Sydney City
  5. Haymarket

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Nakano Darling

14 Steam Mill La, Haymarket, AU-NSW 2000

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Haymarket
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Izakaya, Japanese Speciality, Japanese
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
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