Nobby Beach newcomer YORU puts a Korean twist on izakaya dining
Nobby Beach is quickly solidifying its reputation as one of the Gold Coast’s most exciting dining destinations, and the latest addition to this vibrant scene is YORU. This isn’t just another izakaya, it’s a fresh, heartfelt take on Korean-Japanese fusion, brought to life by husband-and-wife team, Jessica and Adam Long. YORU offers a delightful blend of heritage and humble comfort food, promising a memorable and delicious new dining experience.
While YORU has only been open for a few weeks, the seeds of this dream were planted over a decade earlier. Jessica and Adam first crossed paths 15 years ago in the bustling world of hospitality at an Asian tapas restaurant in Bondi. She was the manager, he was the creative head chef, and together they shared a quiet ambition to one day open their own venue. Life, as it often does, took them on an unexpected detour. They married, embarked on new careers in nursing and IT and embraced the beautiful chaos of raising a family. Yet, through it all, their culinary dream continued to simmer. “We were always talking about food,” Adam shares, “This was always our dream.”
The perfect opportunity arose when the long-standing Japanese eatery, Hachi, became available on the Gold Coast Highway, proving to be one they couldn’t pass up. It was the prime location, often dubbed the ‘golden strip,’ that immediately caught their eye.
YORU, meaning ‘night’ in Japanese, embraces the izakaya concept, but with a twist. Instead of just small bites, this venue introduces a generous touch of Korean dining culture. “We share big plates of food,” Jessica explains. “That is our culture. We enjoy our time with heart – it’s humble, comforting food.”
While the signage might hint at Japanese cuisine, YORU’s menu increasingly leans into Korean flavours, a reflection of Jessica’s Korean heritage. “A lot of Australians know Japanese food, but I want to show them real Korean food.”
The menu effortlessly dances between casual and refined, featuring tastes of freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters and bibimbap rice bowls, alongside crispy katsu and perfectly grilled scallops with lemon butter. The robata grill churns out succulent chicken-thigh skewers alongside the undisputed star of the show – the 9+ wagyu skewers finished with yakitori tare. “Nearly every table that orders that will order a second round,” Adam laughs.
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There’s more to come. YORU will soon unveil outdoor Korean BBQ tables designed for communal, fireside feasting. “It’s going to be quite unique for the area,” Adam says, “There’s nothing else like it nearby.”
The drinks list at YORU is equally as thoughtful. The colourful cocktail menu features playful creations like the Violet Geisha – a Japanese whisky, Asian pear and butterfly-pea-flower sour – and the Seoul Midnight Highball, a refreshing soju-based spin on a Tom Collins. You’ll also find a thoughtful selection of soju, sake, Japanese whisky and local and imported beers (including Cass and Suntory on tap). The wine list, developed in collaboration with a sommelier, offers a tightly curated selection of red, white, rosé and bubbles, including an optional wine pairing for the omakase menu.
Speaking of, the $70-per-head omakase is a delightful tasting journey through Korean-Japanese izakaya favourites. Expect fresh oysters and sashimi, flavourful buldak chicken yakitori, savoury yaki corn ribs and a perfect bite-sized steak with kaeshi butter. To finish? A refreshing scoop of green tea ice-cream with sesame brittle and brown-sugar syrup.
YORU is set to become a beloved addition to the Nobby Beach dining scene, inviting you to share in a dream decades in the making.
Head to The Directory for opening times.