Henrys brings a fusion of Japanese and South American flavours
Under the philosophy of ‘great food should be shared,’ Henrys Neutral Bay inventively blends the flavours of two distinct parts of the world. Since opening in 2022, the restaurant has been serving up Japanese and South American fusion, having initially been headed by a Brazilian-Japanese chef.
My friend and I try the Chef’s Signature Menu, featuring a range of share plates. Co-owner Ray Pham tells us that the chefs aim to ‘tune (the menu) to fit with most people’s palette.’
This rings true, as the menu offers some traditionally spicy options, such as salmon cones featuring a wasabi-avocado mousse. I am usually by no means a fan of wasabi, however, this dish provided the perfect amount where you could feel the kick, but it was not overpowering.
In a similar way, a rump steak dish we were served was ‘only slightly seasoned with salt’ to hold the central flavours.
“We try to keep the flavour profile to a minimum to keep the main flavours,” Ray says.
Henrys adds flair to their presentation too. The savoury salmon cones resembled ice cream drumsticks, wrapped in a black waffle cone imported from France. The wasabi and avocado mousse on top could have easily been mistaken for a scoop of pistachio gelato!
“We try to keep the flavour profile to a minimum to keep the main flavours,”
Henrys Co-owner, Ray Pham
The South American influence shines through in the crispy prawn tacos packed with fresh cabbage and habanero mayo.
A lime wedge on the side makes for the perfect mix with the mayo sauce.
And one can never be too full for dessert. At least, certainly not when presented with a dark chocolate mousse topped with roasted hazelnut and cocoa powder.
The perfect level of thick and creamy, the dish leaves you with a lingering hazelnut flavour.
While the Chef’s Signature Menu provides a generous overview of Henrys’ whole menu, there are plenty of shared options on offer, alongside a comprehensive selection of wines and cocktails.
Henrys has a loyal customer base and has grown to become a local household name since it opened.
This year marks the second in a row that Henrys has taken out the Outstanding Restaurant category at the North Shore Local Business Awards, which were held in July in Cammeray.
Ray says their win this year came as a ‘surprise,’ but the restaurant’s small yet passionate team was grateful to be recognised with the achievement for a second time.
Donning five annual Australian Good Food Guide Chef hats, Henrys continues to steadily grow, welcoming new customers and regulars alike.
HENRYS
19-25 Grosvenor Street
Neutral Bay
9904 3400
Open Monday to Saturday for dinner
Friday to Saturday for lunch
