Karin Japanese Restaurant

Tucked away, to the left, down a little brick-paved lane off Parnell Road. Once you’ve walked the few steps off Parnell Road, you will see Karin’s brasher red noren door curtain, announcing the restaurant’s presence.It’s packed during the weekends –always a good sign when indicating people’s eating habits : they won’t be frequenting the place if the food’s no good. We are particularly partial to their avocado and tofu salad. Sushi and sashimi are available, and sharing smaller dishes like the garlic chicken or creamy seafoods (Oyster, Mussel, Salmon)with yam yam sauce is enjoyable. You might consider working up to something like the pot meals.

Think of this as Parnell’s Japanese retreat spot. People often come here for a restful meal and, in good weather, the open bay windows upstairs give an unobstructed view of Rangitoto Island from Parnell Rise- especially fine during the lunch hour. If you focus only on the food, you’re discounting at least 50% of the experience – and the panorama from this restaurant’s window cannot help but act as a sauce to the food,enriching the whole experience.