About Oyama

Oyama is a hidden gem located in the heart of Brisbane City.

Oyama translates to “Big Mountain” and our founding Head Chef’s name, Da Shan.

Da Shan Wang arrived in Brisbane in 1983, albeit hungry for success. He has always had a passion for people and loves making everyone have a good time no matter the occasion. He began working in local Chinese restaurants around Brisbane starting from the bottom he quickly proved himself to become the role of kitchen hand.

After 2 years of washing dishes and cleaning up the kitchen areas Da Shan was handed the role of an apprentice chef. This is where he began to really learn the in’s and out’s of the kitchen and his talent for creating exquisite dishes. Da Shan quickly rose through the ranks and within a year was promoted to sous chef. The year was 1986 and Da Shan was approached for a sous chef position at a Japanese restaurant in Brisbane city called Genji. Da Shan had always wanted to work in a Japanese restaurant, so he graciously accepted the new role. Through the years Da Shan gave everything he could to make sure what he produced was of the highest quality. Da Shan was promoted to head chef of the restaurant in 1989 and got a real taste of being the man in charge, this left him feeling a hunger and he was eager for more.

After 2 years of hard work and saving frugally he decided to open his very own restaurant in 1991. Oyama was born. The very first location Da Shan opened in was in Sunnybank located in the popular eats location at Market Square. He stayed at this location for 13 years, building a very strong & loyal client base. Da Shan believed he could improve himself so he decided to take a life changing risk and move Oyama to Fortitude Valley in 2004. This really made a mark for Brisbane for Japanese food. Oyama is now one of the most well-known Japanese Restaurants around Brisbane all due to the hard work and perseverance of Da Shan Wang.

Da Shan is now effortlessly teaching his 2 children Justin and Jessica Wang the in’s and out’s of the family business so that they can continue his legacy in the coming years. Justin & Jessica aim to uphold the same impeccable service, quality of food and family atmosphere that is experienced every time a customer walks in the door of Oyama.