Nakano Darling•Haymarket, AU-NSW 2000

Izakaya•$40 and under

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.