Inakaya

Back onto my continual indulgence and search of japanese food, came across this robata-yaki style japanese restaurant. I didn't know this restaurant was of this traditional style at the time, but the grilling and cooking of the food in such close proximity was definitely a highlight! The best thing though, was that they serve the grilled food to you via one massively long serving stick! And then you grab it yourself...

Inakaya

Facing right into the ingredients and one of the chef's in front of me.

Inakaya

More fresh seafood ingredients and wine =) Unfortunately, they weren't all for me...

Ume-Shu

A nice chilled glass of ume-shu to start the night. Although on a chilly evening, the sweetness was actually quite warming. I've also never had this in a wine glass, and it was definitely a generous sized serving.

Japanese Sweet Potato

Grilled japanese sweet potato, cut into generous chunks. The butter provided some extra flavour melting away into the potato. Grilled hot food somehow always tastes better on a cold evening.

Tsukune

Ground chicken skewers... full of sweetness with their tare sauce. What's so great about them cooking right in front of you (although you can't see it directly), is that you know it's hot off the grill and cooked to the right point. Not overdone and still tender, definitely a recommendation.

Egg Custard

I haven't been much of a fan of egg custard much previously, but during the time here it has grown on me. Probably helps too given that this was done great! So far, everything has just gone better than I could imagine with the wonderful flavours

Chazuke

Rice in tea broth topped with salmon. Funnily enough, I've never had much of this before... sometimes I wonder why. It does remind me of congee, yet this provides such a different contrast in flavours. The tea broth itself provides enough flavour when you attempt to appreciate it.

Roasted Rice Balls with Miso

Another typical japanese staple of grilled rice balls. It may look a little deceiving with its small looking size, but it's actually really filling with all the rice inside. The miso sauce over it provides it with all the flavour, and you must remember to ration it across the whole ball!

Nigiri Sushi

Assorted sushi off the menu. With toro, sea urchin and kobe beef on this... definitely can't go wrong. The sea urchin was good, but not the best I've had - but it was clean and sweet. Definitely value for money here, especially when everything was so fresh.

Yellowtail

Having felt like just a little more, some yellowtail sashimi. The presentations just seemed to be wonderful here with its generous sized portions.

Toro

And of course the much loved toro. Always melts in your mouth!

Grilled Tofu

And some grilled tofu to end off the night. The lovely grilled patterns on the tofu give it a nice finish - and although tofu doesn't have much flavour itself, it really does all come from the grill and sauce.

Inakaya was definitely a surprise. Wasn't what I expected, and it exceeded all expectations. Definitely one of the places to go, and one place that I know I can fall back to. Great value and atmosphere too.

231 West 40th Street
(Between 7th and 8th Avenue)