New Zealand Japanese Restaurants Guide » Cosy

Genta Dining Bar

go — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:15:37 +0000

You may do a double take when you pass the spacious front windows of this place on the corner of Customs and Commerce streets. Whilst maintaining its very reasonable prices, Genta has had a serious facelift, transforming itself from an inexpensive izakaya into a rather sleek cafe? & bar. The interior is a long shotgun space, white walls discreetly lit, and a tableau of large sake bottles lining the opposite wall – backlit for maximum effect. The menu still has an A to Z of many izakaya-style dishes – try the okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake) or the kushiage skewers – however there are now more international “fusion”-style dishes included. Amongst others, there is Genta’s original Tom Yum-style ramen (Japanese noodles in a spicy Thai broth), the Fresh Spring Rolls (again, Southeast Asian influence) and the coconut chicken curry, and a nasi goreng. More and more workers and professionals in the city are finding that the large number of choices on the menu and Genta’s convenient location make this ideal for either a quick lunch or a more leisurely affair. For those in a real hurry, there are the sushi packs lining Genta’s front window display. Genta is also happy to cater for parties; you can preorder sushi and larger dishes, when you book.

Taiko Japanese Restaurant and Bar

go — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:00:49 +0000

And about time, too. Kingsland, a little gem of a suburb situated between Mt Eden and Grey Lynn, seemed to have every thing but a Japanese restaurant.

Now, with Taiko, it is complete. Taiko gets pretty packed, so call first, and make a booking. If you like to get closer to the fray, Taiko can seat you at their long counter top. Taiko has a certain amount of emphasis on seasonal food – try their miso yaki (foiled chicken/seafood with vegetables and miso)and gomaae (vegetables with sweet sesame sauce).

Their many small dishes/tsumami are definitely worth a look, especially their tako-yaki octopus balls, topped with shaved bonito. Their salad range is very appealing too,with the sweet, the savoury, seafood and meat– as well as vegetables ! – all getting a look-in: a Japanese-style house salad (with tofu and vege), a Shabu-Shabu salad (sliced beef and vege) & a spinach salad named “Popeye”. The odd one out is the Daigaku Imo “salad”. Not strictly a salad, this is almost a dessert item.Japanese people love their sweet potatoes, and this dish, “university sweet potato” is, I guess,considered brain food for students. Taiko, much like Kingsland itself, has something for every palate, and every pocket !

Soi Japanese Cuisine

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 21:15:57 +0000

Soi is the new kid on the block in Remuera. However, the owner/chef, Mr Toru, is an old hand, having honed his skills at a variety of Japanese restaurants over the past ten years. With its bamboo-screened entrance , its intimate interior and its attentive staff, Soi cannot fail to please even the discerning cognoscenti of Auckland’s very own Hampstead. Soi’s udon noodles and tofu are handmade on the premises, and Mr Toru has his own special suppliers for the seafood dish and the Angus sirloin used for the beef tataki. Japanese people are notoriously fussy about their tofu. Substandard tofu can be lumpy and bitter to taste; not so Soi’s tofu, which is silky smooth and melts on the palate. Try the Saikyo-yaki snapper grilled with a Kyoto-style miso sauce for a treat. The restaurant is child-friendly with its great $15 kids’ menu, containing a sampling of all tastes. Please note that families who visit between 5:30-7:30pm will receive 10% off their bill. Soi provides a popular takeaway version of their menu. Soi’s well-stocked counter bar has French and New Zealand wines, as well as sake, and real espresso lovers can get their ‘fix’ well into the night. Keep an eye on the today’s special which are always a treat ( market price).

Bowz Teppan Dining

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 21:00:11 +0000

Right next door to “One Tree Grill” – Teppan Bowz is possessed of a distinctive name that requires a little explaining : the “Teppan” part refers to the style of food served – “teppanyaki” , food fried on a large griddle; the “Bowz” part of the name refers to the owner/chef, Ken Totsukawa’s, hair, or lack thereof (bozu, trans. : “crew cut”), though you’d never know since he is always attired – when cooking – in a stylish peaked cap; (Japanese “shaggy dog” joke ?).
The centre piece of this spare, stylish restaurant is the griddle, surrounded by counter seating, & the spaceship-sized range hood above. Opened not so long ago, Teppan Bowz’s “teppan fusion” already has repeat customers who have developed a serious habit when it comes to the cuisine – not least for the exquisite green tea creme brulee on the dessert menu.
The A la Carte evening menu has some excellent, eye-catching stand outs : the Teppan Caprese Salad (tofu, with melted mozzarella, tomato & balsamic); the Teppan Cheese Pizza (with aonori seaweed); the Roti Sujinikomi (beef tendon/stew with roti bread); & the fresh tuna steak, with yuzu-ponzu sauce, which redefines the word “succulent”. Party menus are available, for ten or more, & there is a special deals, at Teppan Bowz’s website.? Licensed. Bookings are essential for the weekend.

MUSASHI JAPANESE CUISINE / Milford

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:35:22 +0000

At MUSASHI JAPANESE CUISINE, provide a variety of foods prepared using the grace given to us by the earth.
Menu consists of traditional meals as well as MUSASHI originals that you can only find here.
With such a great selection of moderately priced food and alcohol, navigating the menu could be tricky. Thankfully, Musashi has made the task as simple as possible by including both pictures and a brief description of each meal. The diversity of dishes is definitely this restaurant’s strong point.

Customer favourites jostle for your attention – tempura, sushi, nigiri-zushi, sashimi, takoyaki, and a highly recommended katsuni (pork cutlet cooked with eggs and sweet soy sauce). It’s best to share dishes and order widely. There are some novelties: definitely worth trying are the paper pot meals, which are cooked on what you’d normally use for a clay pot meal (which Musashi also does). There are also most popular Chicken Miso Katsu (deep fried chicken with original miso sauce), and an artistically arranged Dragon Roll (made with eel, rice, cucumber and avocado). At times, Musashi overflows with customers – especially on Friday or Saturday nights – so it’s not always the easiest place to have a quiet conversation. Having said this, popularity would indicate that the food is very, very good.

Make sure you book.

TANUKI Sushi & Sake Bar

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:15:10 +0000

Located in the heart of Queen Street, side by side, are a collection of authentic Japanese bars and restaurants that are diverse and varied; perfect for any mood from bustling to funky to laid back. Tanuki sushi & sake bar offers an experience of being a typical izakaya (country style cooking restaurant). At a counter seat,diners are given the chance to watch their food being prepared by the highly trained Japanese chefs while sipping a nice boutique sake. Tanuki has a Japanese style “Zashiki”are where you take your shoes off suitable for small private parties, there is also a private function room for larger groups on our mezzanine floor. Tanuki has also just opened a karaoke room on our third floor.The extensive menu has all the favourite Japanese dishes- sushi, sashimi, tempura and our signature dish, Tanuki steak, a New Zealand scotch fillet dressed in a ponzu citrus sauce. Tanuki is open for lunch Wednesday through to Friday and offers a large range of lunch boxes and donburi. You will find Tanuki on street level with a large welcoming Tanuki ( Japanese badger)greeting you.

Japa Deli Restaurant & cafe

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 09:26:55 +0000

This novel idea – a Japanese “delicatessen” – is the brainchild of an Osaka couple who decided to quit their business in Japan and move to New Zealand; Japa Deli has become a part of the adventure. The Deli brings a more folksy air to the Japanese food market . The owners renovated the Anzac Avenue location themselves. Aside from the regular tables and chairs, there is one very long table down the back which can seat 10 people around it comfortably. This is definitely one of the places in the city where harried professionals can end the day with that much needed drink and sustenance, and to which many students, young mums, and others come to take time out and talk about nothing of any great consequence, over an excellent espresso and Japa Deli’s homemade cakes (baked each day by Mom, not Pop).

By the way, “Deli” stands for “delivery”, as well as “delicatessen”. Japa Deli’s sushi delivery service provides ample proof of why Japanese householders never make their own sushi – they just order out. It may be impossible for an eatery to be all things, to all customers, but Japa Deli are giving it a damned good try : deli, cafe, restaurant (licensed), delivery service, and takeaway. And the prices are most reasonable. Check out the website for full menus, contact details and a booking form.

Genzui Ramen Bar

go — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:25:17 +0000

Located in the Atrium on Elliott shopping centre, next to the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hotel – in the city. You may note this place in passing; sleek & modern, it is still vaguely reminiscent of the typical workaday ramen stand located at most train stations throughout Japan.
The owner was trained at Mentatz (Lorne St); he does not advertise, but relies upon word-of-mouth. Round lunch time people queue shoulder-to-shoulder to partake of the fare. The ramen here has got the thumbs up from regulars. Especially popular are dishes such as the (clay pot) Nabeyaki ramen, the Miso ramen & the eatery’s donburi dishes. If you’re unfamiliar with ramen, it’s a substantial noodle dish, and the raison d’etre here.

Originally from a Chinese noodle, la mian, it was first championed way back in the 17th century by the daimyo, Tokugawa Mitsukuni, noted gourmet and aesthete of the Edo era. Since the end of WWII, ramen has skyrocketed in popularity to become one of the most talked-about dishes throughout Japan. Genzui is open till 10pm every night, so it’s a great place for a quick supper and a glass (or two) of your favourite liquor.
Being part of the Atrium on Elliott shopping centre, parking is free – if you purchase more than $5.00. What are you waiting for ?

KURA Japanese restaurant

go — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:31:11 +0000

Slide the old temple door on Queen Street and descend down to Kura Japanese restaurant. The building Kura is in used to be an old grain silo when there was a stream running through Queen St., hence the name Kura”, which means warehouse in Japanese. Adorning the old stone wall that is a legacy from Auckland‘s colonial days, are gorgeous Japanese silk wedding kimonos, also dotted around are Japanese antiques, all of which are for sale. During winter there is an open fi re.

Kura is modern fusion style Japanese cuisine and does classics with a distinctive Kura” touch that blends outside infl uences and yet still keeps them essential Japanese.

There is also an ever changing daily specials menu which refl ects the seasonal changes and what is fresh from the fi sh markets that day. Highly recommended is our beautifully presented fresh sashimi platters, visually stunning “Bridge” or “Spider” sushi rolls and the deep fried soft shell crab is a must! Kura is a favourite for a romantic date but also caters for larger groups with it’s sunken large tables. Bookings are essential.

Conveniently located near the Town Hall and live arts area of the city and the Aotea car park is behind Kura for ease of parking.