About Oyama

Oyama is a hidden gem located in the heart of Brisbane City. We are very well known for our decadent signature Tempura Prawn hand rolls since 1991 (if you know you know!)

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

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

After 2 years of at a kitchen hand, 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 was born. Da Shan quickly rose through the ranks and within a year was promoted to sous chef. In 1986, 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 soon promoted to head chef of the restaurant in 1989.

After 2 years of hard work and dedication to his craft, Da Shan with his wife, Josie, saved frugally he decided to open their very own restaurant in 1991. Oyama was born. The very first location Da Shan opened in was in Sunnybank, located in the popular dining 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 further and took a leap of faith and moved Oyama to Fortitude Valley in 2004. This is where Da Shan really made his mark in Brisbane Japanese dining scenes. Oyama Japanese Restaurant has now become an institution in Brisbane, focusing on providing a warm and inviting dining experience for lovers of the freshest quality sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki.

Da Shan and Josie are now teaching their two children, Justin and Jessica 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.