Japanese restaurant Oasis: The Listening Bar opened last month on Clarendon Boulevard.

It's owned by Sumontita “Tammie” Disayawathana and Jaturon “Drew” Srirote, the husband-wife duo behind the Sisters Thai restaurant group. By day, it offers a cafe-like atmosphere. By night, it transforms into a listening bar where DJs spin tunes to set the vibe.

I had a chance to try the new hotspot — let's step inside.

There are plenty of bar seats available at this restaurant if that's your jam. | Photo by NOVAtoday

The atmosphere

As I walked in, this intimate restaurant welcomed me with cozy seating and a large wraparound bar. The hostess guided me to a more secluded area in the back filled with tables and softly lit booths — ideal for a romantic date or dinner with a group of friends.

To my right, I saw vinyls lining the shelves along a wall. To my left, I saw chefs preparing dishes at the sushi counter. Nearby, a DJ setup stood ready — a hint that something more was coming...

Good music is key to curating the perfect vibe at a restaurant. | Photo by NOVAtoday

What’s a listening bar?

Originally started in Japan around the 1950s, listening bars have seen a recent boom in popularity. The idea is to play vinyl on a high-quality system, allowing patrons to have an immersive listening experience.

While the music can be lively at times, it’s more laid-back than what you might experience at a nightclub — think: captivating soundscape that complements your cocktail and sashimi.

The shrimp tempura cucumber roll is on the left, and the spicy tuna avocado roll is on the right. | Photo by NOVAtoday

Let's eat

When I analyzed the menu, I was a bit overwhelmed by the many options. I didn’t get a drink, but I regretted that choice because the options looked fantastic. When I go back, I’ll be getting the City Hunter, made with jalapeno-infused tequila, guava puree, lime, and a salted plum-rimmed glass. You can also get beer, wine, and Japanese whisky. Pro tip: Opt for a flight so you can try a few.

Now for the food. My friend and I started with the vegetable gyoza, deep-fried, crunchy potstickers paired perfectly with a ponzu sauce.

For the main event, we opted for three sushi rolls: The spicy tuna avocado roll, the shrimp tempura cucumber roll, and the Atlantic Roll. The Atlantic Roll is made with lump crab meat, avocado, and cucumber, topped with seared salmon and tobiko (a type of fish eggs), and paired with wasabi mustard sauce and eel sauce. My favorite of the three? Maybe I'm basic, but the shrimp tempura roll was just perfect. The shrimp was just the right amount of crispy, and paired well with the cool, crunchy cucumber.

Now it's your turn — book a table at Oasis: The Listening Bar. Check out the live music calendar to pick the perfect vibe for your night out.