Sydney’s nightlife (or lack thereof) has long been quite the contentious subject. Instead of pulsing with energy late into the night like most major cities, it turns into a ghost town after dark – unless perhaps Vivid Sydney is on, or Fred again.. is doing a surprise show at The Domain.
That’s why, when a new late-night venue like JŌJI opens its doors, we can’t help but feel excited. Could it have all the ingredients to help, even if just a little, shake up Sydney’s nightlife?
A stunning rooftop destination? Check. A world-class cocktail bar? Check. Live DJ sets, vinyl sessions, and a 2am license? It’s got it all.
Recently, we had the pleasure of experiencing this Japanese gem, perched right above the Cartier building on George Street, aka the heart of the city. Brought to life by the team at ESCA Group (Nour, Aalia, Itō, LILYMU) the space feels like a refined yet sexy retreat that allows you to soak in sweeping views of the Sydney skyline.
The co-founder, Ibby Moubadder, envisioned a space that combines Sydney’s urban energy with a calming, Japanese-inspired vibe, and it shows. As you step inside JŌJI, you are met with a space that blends Japanese minimalism with urban chic: rich burgundy tones, sleek metallics, and warm Tasmanian blackwood interiors create an atmosphere that effortlessly shifts from calm afternoons to lively late nights.
Then there is the food. The glorious food.
Thanks to Executive Chef Paul Farag’s inspired menu, each dish is a creative mix of Japanese flavours with a contemporary twist. Some personal favourites included the scallop and bug sando with pickled cabbage mayo—chef’s kiss. The king prawn with bonito cream and pickled ginger in a crisp lettuce “taco” also hit the mark. It’s playful, fresh and perfectly balanced. As for dessert, the Okinawa brown sugar purin, a velvety custard delight, is a dish we’ve been dreaming of ever since trying it.
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JŌJI’s cocktail menu, meanwhile, is led by Group Bar Manager Kerry Burgess, and it’s just as thoughtful, drawing on Japanese principles of simplicity, creativity, and embracing imperfection. The Bamboo cocktail—a surprising mix of tequila, tomato, and apricot—was a standout that managed to feel both bold and balanced.
With a late-night license till 2am and nightly DJs spinning 7 days a week, JŌJI certainly does feel like it’s set to shake up Sydney’s nightlife. It’s more than a bar—it’s an experience, one we believe ticks all the boxes to secure itself a spot among the world’s best bars. It’s only a matter of time.
If you’re looking for a place that combines elegance with a bit of edge, JŌJI is a must visit. With its incredible food, inventive cocktails, and dedication to quality, it’s primed to be a standout on Sydney’s dining and nightlife scene.
