Robataya

Originating from tokyo, robataya is an traditional robatayaki style restaurant grilling food in an open hearth. This is meant to (and it does), fragrance the room with flavours enhancing the taste buds before enjoying the food.

Robataya

If fortunate enough to sit at the bar, you'd be able to watch the chefs grill the fresh ingredients right in front you, in a grill that's also right in front of you. The smell as the food slowly drifts towards you... makes you just wait in great anticipation.

Grilled Edamame

Not the typical edamame... but a grilled version. Definitely a twist to the norm, but provides a different flavour.

Hirame Carpaccio

Hirame carpaccio, thinly sliced fluke sashimi topped off with a bit of seaweed. It's always nice to start off with some refreshing appetisers before going into the flavoursome grills. Nothing really special about the fluke here, and I didn't expect it to be really tasty given I'm at a robatayaki.

Sashimi Platter

Of course, to continue... a selection of sashimi. Your standard salmon, tuna, yellowtail, kingfish and my favourite scallops. Scallops just always have this sweetness that puts a smile on your face.

Yuzu Sake

How can you not get some sake while you're there. A yuzu flavoured cold sake, and wow... served on the rocks, it was surprisingly good. So good that you couldn't taste the alcohol!

Kakuni

Kakuni. Robtaya styled stewed diced pork with mashed potatoes. When kakuni is done well, you just watch the meat fall apart, and the fat melts in your mouth. And this it did. I did wish it had a bit more flavour in the serving soup, or maybe a hint of mustard. Just lacked a little bite.

Yuba Gyoza

Yuba gyoza. Not your typical looking gyoza with bean curd sheet dumplings stuffed with minced chicken and shisho. But this was just, very different and a definite must. It's always great to have different interpretations and presentations of typical dishes, especially ones that stand out and are memorable.

Grilled Local Red Snapper

And to end it off, a grilled local red snapper. The only thing that's used is noto sea salt. The suzu salt provides a different type of saltiness, combined with a bit of acidity, sweetness and bitterness.

A lovely japanese style grill with nice service. A little on the pricey side, but that is expected and not out of the ordinary. Watching the art of cooking and grilling in front of you, and then to taste the deliciousness of such simple methods is definitely worth it. I do think that the tasting menu might be go the next time =)

231 East 9th Street
(Between 2nd and 3rd Avenue)