Dinner time at another newish place in sleepy old Noosa Junction. This one is Jardin Japonesque, run by chef / proprietor Kisa Juri Kobayashi – ex Noosa’s renowned Wasabi Restaurant.

First impressions were the unobtrusive minimalist white decor and the exquisite, antiquey looking serving bowls.

“Otsumami” appeared at the top of the menu, translated in brackets as “Appetisers / Tapas”.

And so we chose a few tapas-sized serves. First up was Soy-burned Roasted Organic Garlic. Four plump juicy cloves, caramelised to sweetness and with a mild, roast  garlic savour.

Next was  Silverbeet Tsukudani, finely chopped stems sauteed with sweet soy sauce and Japanese black pepper – the latter giving the sauce a distinct bite.

There followed organic Zucchini Tempura, four modest slices in a delicate whitish crisp batter along with a mild dipping sauce.

An agreeable Agedashi Tofu served as an interlude and we finished with Vegetarian Futomaki Sushi Rolls.

Seated on a layer of wasabi mayo these were a complex mix of taste and texture centred with avocado, cream cheese, and finely grated pickled beetroot. On the side was a small saucer of  house-made, shaved pickled ginger.

This last was white in colour, delicious, and quite unlike the store bought artificially tinted stuff one often encounters in Japanese restaurants.

The wine we took was the De Bortoli Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2010 and it suited the multiplicity of dishes admirably.

Service was timely and friendly and we enjoyed it all – perhaps the highlight was the silverbeet dish.

Cost for two was $54 including corkage.

Highly recommended.

Jardin Japonesque. 3 Arcadia St. Noosa Junction, Queensland 4567, Australia. Phone (07) 5448 0724. BYO. Lunch Tuesday to Friday; Dinner Tuesday to Sunday.