With some smart design, it really feels like you could be in Japan. Stepping through an opening in a corrugated iron wall (and out of torrential rains), there are a few low tables, a number of high tables surrounded by colourful neon signs, and a few normal tables.
There’s a huge screen playing trippy Japanese commercials. The young, personable Japanese staff rush around to make sure you’re fed and watered.
From our view, at a low table near the entrance, looking out the doorway, we could imagine being in a bar in Osaka or Tokyo.
I mean, the space wouldn’t be so large (and the kitchen and bar are big) in Japan, but we loved the vibe.
Hot sake was perfect for a night like this and we matched it with a whole bunch of small dishes, Izakaya.
Not a bad philosophy really, food to go with drinking, rather than a drink to go with a meal.
Edamame. A flat omelette.
Octopus karaage. Chicken karaage. Gyoza.
The one that stood out was a pickled mackerel, delicate with some texture, but just the right amount of ginger and vinegar to offset the fat-laden flesh. A beautiful dish.
The others were pretty regular fare, really, nothing special, but we liked the place so much, we didn’t care much. We’ll be back.
