Prefecture 48 transforms the Victorian Foley Brothers warehouse at 230 Sussex Street in Sydney. It is an ambitious project that introduces a new dining precinct in Sydney’s Western CBD.

The design stacks six hospitality venues in the building’s compact footprint and unites them with an interior overlay inspired by Japan’s 47 prefectures. The venues are distinct, but their fit outs are grounded by the theatrics of cooking, food and design, three elements artfully integrated to be enjoyed by diners.

‘Ibushi’ immerses diners in a dark mix of textured timbers, soft fabrics and a sweeping woven artwork overhead, reminiscent of smoke from a robata grill. The pâtisserie walls of ‘Dear Florence’ are glossed and dusted, like the whimsical desserts themselves. ‘Garaku’ is theatrical, with its dark, leathered stone dining bar and immersive wall artwork. In ‘Omakase,’ a timber screen and platform define the chef’s narrow presentation space, the edges of which are pulled away from the heritage brick. ‘Five’ is more spacious, with high ceilings that celebrate the building’s heritage timber structure. ‘Whisky Thief’ occupies the building at the back of the courtyard. The bar is double-height and copper-clad, like whiskey stills and lounges are wrapped in a custom printed fabric patterned like Yakuza tattoos.

Photography: Anson Smart