The energy is always high at Token, whether you’re there for a work lunch, knock-off drinks or a late-night feast. The Japanese izakaya-style restaurant is by Darling Group (Top Paddock, Higher Ground)

The space is split into two areas with two open kitchens. At the front, find a brightly tiled raw bar where you can sit and watch the sushi chef at work. Things heat up at the back, where it’s all about flames, smoke, charcoal and a centrepiece custom-made binchotan yakitori grill.

There are plenty of nods to traditional Japanese izakaya, from low tables to Japanese-imported tiles. Surrounding both bars are sleek sand-coloured booths, marble walls and striking timber furniture. At the raw bar, expect three types of made-to-order temaki (including a moreish spicy miso tuna number wrapped in nori); citrusy hiramasa kingfish; delicate beef tataki; and caviar service. Over at the grill, there are crisp tempura enoki mushrooms; jumbo king prawn skewers; and twice-cooked pork belly chashu kushiyaki.

There’s also a killer cocktail list that blends vibrant ingredients with elegant Japanese flavours. The signature is the house Martini, made with katsuobushi-infused Never Never Triple Juniper gin, umeshu and pickled nori oil. A more refreshing pick is a fruity highball, with fermented amazake (sweet sake) and water kefir. Plus, premium sakes, beer and local and international wines.