Food I Photographed Last Month: INKA
I told someone today that I was a huge fan of restaurants that go the extra mile with their fitouts. INKA exemplifies this.
If you haven’t visited, it’s hard to describe the grand scale you feel when you walk through the large front door, and first take in those high ceilings. The way the beautifully adorned walls and ceilings lead up the vibrant staircase to the moody, cosy upper level. Everywhere you look, it’s straight up eye-candy.
But of course, we’re not just here to admire the venue. The food is the real star. Japanese and Peruvian; who knew? Known as Nikkei-style cuisine, this fusion of flavours is somehow both familiar and surprising.
Executive chef Michael Muir has designed a menu that’s sure to please. Obviously there’s a seafood-heavy offering here – think sashimi, ceviche and nigiri, – but the menu also features crowd favourites like wagyu, plenty of vegetarian choices, and desserts that look almost too good break into.
They say the heart of a home is the kitchen, and that’s true here too. Tucked right up the back, the meticulous prep at the ceviche bar is on display for those who cast their gaze over, and the Robata grill emits warmth and energy, adding to the atmosphere for diners.
When it comes to washing down those flavours, INKA’s also got you covered with a banger cocktail lineup. You could even come just for the drinks. Pulling up a chair at the bar and watching as an expert mixologist serves you up a citrus-y, Japanese inspired glass of fun is, to put it simply, a vibe.
The photographer dilemma: what the hell do I photograph first? It’s all so gorgeous. It could be so easy to lose sight of the mission by getting lost in focusing not only on all the fine, beautiful details in the various dishes, but the stunning décor. Everywhere you look there’s some impressive detail. The canopy of rainbow knotted ropes hanging over the staircase, the gigantic, striking artwork by the bar, the colourful chandeliers, the vast wall of Peruvian fixtures. It’s as much fun to capture the venue itself as it is the food.
And while there’s so much to take in during your visit, nothing feels loud or imposing. Every element pieces together so elegantly, delivering a refined, luxurious feel. This is detail-heavy maximalism that serves a purpose.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big ol’ introvert. I’m at home in the cosy little nooks, and upstairs is just the place. Dimmer lighting, bench seating to nestle in, and more beautiful art to appreciate. You know what INKA is? The ideal date night destination. But don’t let that deter you from bringing a group another time. Hot tip: dine upstairs one night, then downstairs another day for an express lunch.