Inari Canberra Centre — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

“Inari, in Japanese mythology, god primarily known as the protector of rice cultivation.”

“The name Inari is primarily a female name of Japanese origin that means Successful One.”

Upon arrival at the entrance, we were greeted by Sherry with her beautiful smile. We told her that we don’t have any reservations (Friday evening normally requests a reservation but we are lucky) and said we are lucky that they still have a table for two.

She ushers us to our table and handed over the menu and said her colleague will take our order soon. Nicole approached to take our order and we are impressed with her knowledge and recommendation about the food.

We decided to have the Tasting Menu set or a banquet menu. Minimum 2 people to order this menu. Please refer to the menu picture and sorry it is a bit blurry.

Edamame steamed to perfection. Crunchy and fresh.

Assorted Sashimi- Tuna: Tuna (called maguro まぐろ in Japanese) is one of the most popular fish for sashimi in Japan and is a good one to start with if you have never tried raw fish before. Tuna meat is red, but the exact color tone of maguro sashimi depends on which part of the body was used for the cut. A surprisingly tender texture that melts in your mouth!

Salmon: Salmon (サーモン) is another type of sashimi popular with Japanese of all ages. The color of salmon is generally light orange or light pink, and the texture is tender and juicy. Fresh salmon in season also has specks of white as it contains more fat, making the texture even softer. They really served this salmon fresh. Die Die must try! (My tagline for my Malay friends)

Kingfish: Hira-zukuri (rectangular slice) cut and this is how they prepared the Kingfish Sashimi. The best bit is the bottom half of the fillet. From the king bones down usually have the highest fat content. The belly flaps are the best bit for sashimi!

Snapper: Red snapper is known as tai (タイ) in Japanese, and compared to other types of popular sashimi, red snapper is relatively expensive. ed snapper has a firm texture and is typically white with some pink parts, and the flavor is delicate and slightly sweet.

Why did I write about sashimi details (based on my experience and knowledge shared by Japanese friends) in this review? The answer is that this place prepared the sashimi perfectly. Once again, DIE DIE MUST TRY!

Popcorn Shrimp-Crunchy and yummy.

INARI Ceviche-Best Japanese fusion food.

Roasted Cauliflower-My partner is not a cauliflower eater, but I asked him to try it. Honestly, I regret asking him to try, why? He finished all. He said it tasted like chicken. So, if you have or know someone or children who doesn’t like cauliflower, I suggest that you should bring them or your children to try the cauliflower here.

Wagyu Sirloin MB9-perfectly cooks medium rare meat, the carrot puree is soft and tasty.

We ended our dinner with the amazing dessert of Tofu and Buffalo Ricotta Cheesecake. Our conclusion of INARI is superbly delicious food and extremely good friendly service.

Dr....

My wife Cried - Let me set the mood. It's valentines day and the wifes birthday, so you find a nice Japanese restaurant that has great reviews and the wife really wants to give it a try. So I book a table online where I find they have a set menu (1 standard option and 1 vegetarian option) can pre book it online and select what option we want. They even had the option to do half portions of each in case one was vegetarian, so I lock in one of each option.

So we rock up to the restaraunt the waitress finds our booking and we take a seat, we get asked if we want still or sparkling and ask for still. We wait 20mins and watch 2 other tables get seated getting asked the same question and getting water instantly, I then ask if we can get water and then also place our drinks order at the same time.

So we are now 40mins in and my water is empty we have no drinks and no food, we watch the two other tables get their drinks and entrees so I decide to ask the waitress where our drinks and food were. We then get advised that they did not put our order in and get asked what we wanted.... Even though we booked online and selected what options, they didnt even look. When I advised I wanted one of each option, I was then advised that it was not possible, so I had to point out to the waitress what their menu said, she then went to the back and confirmed that they could do it.

We then wait another 30mins, the wife starts to tear up as she watches me being disappointed after another 10mins the entrees finally show up. The food comes out and it is nice so we put start behing us.

We then proceed to wait 30mins and no mains come out and we notice others in the restaurant complaining about their orders as well. I ask the waitress where our food was so she said she will check. another 10mins goes by and we ask again..... ask a 3rd time and finally our mains show up... well so I thought, there was no vegetarian option delivered.

I then ask the waitress where the vegetarian option was and dont here back from her. I then ask someone else, dont hear anything by this point we have now been sat here for 2.5 hours so I go up the 3rd time and start asking the waitress what is happening with the food. Half way through asking her, someone comes out the back and interrupts me and the waitress turns her attention to this person, speaks with them and walks away to another table then disappears to the back, so there I am extremely frustrated, wondering if the waitress is coming back. The waitress then appears with the vegetarian option so I sit back down and the wife starts to eat it..... we then realise that the meals have come out cold.

So 2 and half hours in and cold food later, we then get asked to pay for half the bill even though we barely got a 1/4 out of it. I then advise I will pay for drinks which the waiter agrees...

Japanese cuisine has a unique ability to captivate all five senses, and my recent visit to this fusion Japanese restaurant was no exception. With anticipation, I indulged in the course menu accompanied by sake and explored a few additional dishes to better understand the restaurant's approach to blending tradition with modernity.

Food The culinary offerings lean more toward "fusion Japanese" than traditional fare. While the dishes are innovative and bold, they depart from the subtlety and simplicity that define authentic Japanese cuisine. Modern sauces and creative ingredient combinations take center stage, which can be both a strength and a drawback, depending on the diner’s preferences. Those who appreciate the unadorned flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine might find the fusion sauces somewhat overpowering, as they occasionally mask the natural taste of the ingredients. Additionally, the portion sizes for the course menu may feel modest, especially for adult diners with larger appetites, so ordering supplementary dishes might be necessary to ensure a more satisfying meal.

Service The service was commendable. The staff member assigned to our table demonstrated warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism. Their explanations of the menu were succinct yet detailed, making it easy for first-time guests to navigate the dining experience and make confident choices. Such thoughtful service added a layer of comfort and ease to the evening.

Ambiance The restaurant’s ambiance is well-suited for casual yet intimate gatherings, making it an ideal spot for couples or small groups of friends. The atmosphere strikes a balance between a lively izakaya (Japanese pub) and a modern yakiniku (Japanese grill), offering a relaxed yet polished setting. However, it may feel less suited for larger family gatherings or those seeking the calm, formal atmosphere typically associated with traditional Japanese dining.

Overall Impression Given Canberra’s geographical limitations in sourcing fresh seafood, the restaurant’s focus on fusion Japanese cuisine is both a practical and creative solution. Rather than strictly adhering to traditional Japanese culinary standards, the restaurant has embraced an innovative approach, introducing a fresh and dynamic perspective to Japanese dining. The bold flavors and contemporary twists reflect an effort to adapt to local conditions while delivering an exciting dining experience.

For those with a penchant for adventurous flavors and a vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant is a noteworthy choice. It offers a unique take on Japanese cuisine that challenges tradition while celebrating creativity—a fine option for diners seeking something out of...