Papi Katsu
125 St Georges Terrace, Perth
@papi.katsu

After four years in the works, it’s finally time to check out Papi Katsu — Perth CBD’s new, rule-breaking Japanese restaurant from the meticulous Sesh Mafia crew, where it’s all about having a good time.

Sesh Mafia’s Ben Tua, Chase Weber, Leigh Power, and Eoin Kenny, along with Venue Manager Chrissie Lam (from Si Paradiso, Servo) and Bar Manager Mario Rizzo (El Grotto, Long Chim, Shui), are opening this underground Yakuza-inspired den on May 30.

“Papi Katsu is like nothing we’ve done before. We’ve all been in the industry for years, and now we just want to have a bit of fun,” says Tua. “The cheeky name, incredible menu, cyberpunk vibes, and top-notch service… we’re creating a spot where it’s all about enjoying yourself, no matter the occasion.”

Culinary Director Chase Weber is shaking up traditional Japanese cuisine with his own spin on the sometimes flashy dishes. Backed by Sesh Mafia’s long-time chef Leigh Power (Shui), the share-style menu highlights local, seasonal ingredients, with a big focus on fresh Aussie seafood sourced from local fishmongers each morning.

The ‘snacks’ and ‘raw’ menu features daily sashimi plates, prawn katsu open sandwiches, a range of temaki, and local yabbies poached and served with milk bread (Weber’s twist on the classic yabby and pikelets).

For bigger bites meant to share, there’s saikyo miso glazed toothfish with shark bay clam, ikura, and roasted fish bone beurre monté; roasted duck breast with maitake mushrooms and mandarin oil; and a $750, one-kilogram steak of top-tier A5 Japanese wagyu beef cooked over charcoal yakitori. Diners can also pre-order massive amounts of caviar, whole roasted duck, and giant lobster when booking, to take the experience up a notch.

Esteemed hospitality design firm SOMA has turned the massive, windowless space into a mysterious 120-seater dining room, bringing the energy and vibe of Japanese cyberpunk to the underground spot with flashes of neon pink and blue, mimicking the bright lights of Tokyo.

“Papi Katsu is like nothing we’ve done before. We’ve all been in the industry for years, and now we just want to have a bit of fun,” says Tua. “The cheeky name, incredible menu, cyberpunk vibes, and top-notch service… we’re creating a spot where it’s all about enjoying yourself, no matter the occasion.”

Everything’s been custom-made for Papi Katsu, from the timber tables and seats to the unique lighting, fixtures, and murals in the three 20-person secret private dining rooms. At the back of the restaurant, a striking 4.5-meter timber Omakase table offers an up-close look at the chefs preparing a high-end hybrid omakase menu, set to drop in the coming months.

Behind the bar, expect a drinks menu inspired by the clean and precise nature of Japanese service and culture, created by Sesh Mafia’s master mixologist, Head of Operations, and Beverage Coordinator Eoin Kenny.

They’ll be serving up dedicated Highball and Martini menus with clear block ice and ice carving, plus a tight selection of Japanese lagers on tap, local wines, and a 25-strong sake list.

A long-term labour of blood, sweat, and panko breadcrumbs, Papi Katsu fills the gap in Brookfield Place and Perth as a whole — offering a high-end Japanese dining experience that’s all about great service, flowing sake, and the freshest seafood around, without taking itself too seriously.