Mr Kojima

Mr Kojima is a contemporary Japanese izakaya and specialist sake bar at 1/62 Thomas Drive, Surfers Paradise, on the Gold Coast. The venue combines Japanese food with a drink-led setting shaped around the izakaya tradition, an informal style associated with staying, drinking and eating in a relaxed bar environment.

Sake is central to the identity of Mr Kojima, giving the venue a clear focus for diners interested in Japanese drinks alongside their meal. The format suits a social approach to dining, with Japanese dishes intended to be enjoyed at an unhurried pace rather than treated as a formal multi-course occasion. The menu presentation also includes bento boxes, adding a more structured option within the broader izakaya offering.

Mr Kojima’s character is reinforced by a dramatic Tokyo-inspired story about a former yakuza figure who turns away from violence and finds a new direction through cooking, sake and the bonds created around food. The narrative brings together neon-lit city imagery, Japanese culinary tradition and a theme of redemption. It gives the venue a more theatrical personality than a straightforward Japanese restaurant, while keeping the focus on food, drink and connection.

The cuisine is rooted in familiar Japanese ideas, including the balance of savoury umami, careful preparation and the contrast between comforting dishes and lighter, more delicate flavours. The izakaya style makes the venue a natural fit for casual dinners, catch-ups and occasions where sake is part of the experience. It also offers a setting for diners who want to explore Japanese food culture through a less formal restaurant format.

Located in Surfers Paradise, Mr Kojima is suited to Gold Coast diners seeking a Japanese meal with a bar atmosphere and a strong sense of concept. Its appeal lies in the combination of contemporary izakaya dining, sake-focused hospitality and storytelling that gives the venue a distinct personality. Practical details such as reservations, dietary needs, group arrangements and seating options are best confirmed with the venue before visiting.