Kabuki Teppanyaki Restaurant

One of two restaurants in the Stamford Plaza Hotel, Kabuki is a teppanyaki grill establishment. The photograph which is used on the website and menu is characteristic of the signature theme for teppan (Japanese iron griddle) eateries : a chef confronted by a wall of flame as he adds cooking sake to the griddle; high on pyrotechnics and entertainment, with an emphasis on substantial foodstuffs like beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood, dispensing with any fussy grace notes, in terms of small dishes. The Stamford Plaza website refers to the teppan style as “spectacular” and “theatrical”, and spectacular (in a very literal sense) and theatrical it is.

The chef puts on a display whilst he, or she, cooks in front of customers. The menu has lunch and dinner sets (all named after flowers) in which you can choose from mouthwatering “reef and beef” combinations – all fresh NZ produce – accompanied by an appetizer, salad, miso soup, rice and teppan cooked vegetables. There is also a set lunch special at $25.00 that includes a glass of wine or beer, and an a la carte section. And, if you wish, there are also delicious vegetarian dishes available, featuring tofu, eggplant, and mushrooms. Spare; elegant; substantial.