Tsunami Izakaya & Teppanyaki Bar — Restaurant in Mosman Park

Tsunami. They used to be 'the' place to go to for Japanese in the Mosman Park area. This is a review of the main Tsunami Ko restaurant, not the Teppanyaki bar (for which we do have some fond memories).

We've visited several times now and also asked around for 360 multi-source feedback from our foodie friends. And the feedback is the same. "We haven't gone back for a while... it's expensive and not that great".

Gone are the traditional Japanese serving staff. Who would welcome you with the effusive "Irasshaimase"! Instead the asian Maitre'd is visibly raising her voice at her poor waitstaff. The rest are trying hard and pleasant, although overworked. We had to get our own water jug (after several courses we realised it was never going to arrive).

The Otoro Tuna was the highlight. Couldn't fault it. Thick, generous cuts. Fresh as can be.

Then it went downhill.

The sushi roll. The rice, neither adequate with the vinegar or seasoned. It appeared messy on the plate and almost fell apart. None of that glossy shine that marks it well done. It tasted like plain rice. The Sukiyaki, whilst acceptable was rather expensive for the rather lacklustre contents and broth.

I've had better sushi from Sushi Sushi and Sushi Hub...

In context, we enjoy Japanese food and have regularly dined at James Parker, Nobu, Furaibo, Kiri, Nippon several times each in the last 6 months. And Egawa An.

You would be well served considering any of the alternatives. Tsunami Ko charges premium pricing.

A rather comprehensive Sake menu? Yes. Ask about Japanese whisky? We got told "just have a look next door, there's no menu".

If you want fresh sashimi or Nigiri like they do in Japan, go to Egawa An or James Parker.

Shame, we really used to like this place.

*addendum:

Yes, Tsunami do have one of the most comprehensive Sake selections. I simply acknowledged it. It was not a criticism.

I actually have a preference for umeshu (The Kinmon Ume Shizuku Premium being a favourite) but am well versed with Japanese whisky. And their current market pricing. Hence why I would have loved to explore some old favourites at Tsunami.

As to the cost, I'm aware of the cost of fresh ingredients, especially those sourced overseas. The criticism isn't the price in itself (we have no issue paying for quality). But that we had higher expectations regarding quality and presentation to be at the standard of one of the foremost Japanese institutions in Perth. And we've dined on/off over the years.

I'm sorry regarding the sushi. But I stand by my comments. Presentation of sushi from a chef who takes pride in their work can be a work of art, highlighting the effort and craftsmanship of the sushi chef. Our sushi for the evening from the quality of the sushi rice, the vinegar, the gloss and texture to the presentation was a very far cry to what the best in Perth Japanese has to offer. It wasn't "bad" but it wasn't the best we've had from Tsunami. And we remember what it used to be 5 years ago.

Tuna sashimi elsewhere in Perth is often lean yellow-fin tuna and not that great. I enjoyed your Otoro and it was well up to standard.

And we dined at James Parker (before and after our visit to Tsunami) so you could say my comments are with a fresh memory.

Nippon have reasonably fresh Sashimi and their cold sushi plates are fine.

Perhaps the sushi chef had an off day? It happens.

And yes, I acknowledge hospitality staff are in short supply everywhere. The local staff were trying hard.

I suggest you also try Egawa An who do an omakase menu. My hospitality and food lover friends have generally rated it highly. We enjoyed it and have a few more bookings in the future before coming to a conclusion and to see how the menu changes over time.

As to Nobu, I wouldn't say they were value of money either. And they do get mixed feedback also from new and old diners alike. But they put on a reasonably...

We have dined at Tsunami on several occasions and each time have found the food and service outstanding. Not so on our recent visit. We arrived at our reserved booking time and were ignored for a full 5 minutes before a stressed, overwhelmed looking waitress arrived to take us halfway down the hallway only to pass us onto another waitress who took us to our table. We were each given a different menu, upon querying this with another stressed looking waitress, we were informed “this is the wrong menu, let me get you the right one”. It took quite some time for a waitress to approach our table to take our order. We ordered a round of drinks and 4 share plates, asking for a menu to be left so we were able to order more food. After 30 minutes of waiting for our drinks, I asked a waitress if our drinks were coming, she said they would be there soon. Another 20 minutes we asked again about our drinks after which time my partner’s beer was bought to the table, I waited another 10 minutes for my cocktail to arrive. Our first share plate (waygu gyoza) finally arrived, more than an hour after we ordered, 3 dumplings were burnt and the 4th was a blobby mess on the end of the plate, we asked for this dish to be remade for us. At this time the head waiter approached our table to ask how everything was, I explained the wait and the burnt food, we were offered complimentary miso soup and edamame beans while we waited for our food. The head waiter offered an apology. The rest of the share plate arrived shortly after, the portions were small, lacking taste and not how I remembered from our previous visits. The original gyoza arrived shortly before 9pm. We wanted to order mains but the kitchen had closed. It was interesting to note that 2 tables seated after us in the same section of the restaurant that ordered after us, got their food and drinks well before we did. The table next to us was missing dishes from their order and were advised they were not able to be provided because the kitchen was closed. A waiter cleaning the large table behind us dropped a tray of glasses on his way to the kitchen. One glass broke and shattered all over the floor behind the table next to ours and down the middle of the walkway. It took at least 10 minutes for someone to return to clean up the broken glass. At no time were caution signs set up in the the area. On paying the bill my partner was not offered a discount however was given a voucher for the next time we dined at the restaurant. Unfortunately, after our highly disappointing experience we will not...

My recent dining experience at this restaurant left me utterly disheartened by the appalling service I witnessed. It's hard to overlook the pretentious atmosphere that seemed to permeate the entire establishment.

As I sat at my table, I couldn't help but notice a constant stream of Uber Eats drivers entering the restaurant to pick up takeaway orders. However, there was no acknowledgment or assistance offered to these drivers, leaving them to fend for themselves amidst the growing pile of takeaway bags. The young boy responsible for table service seemed completely indifferent to their presence, showing no interest in lending a hand or ensuring a smooth pickup process.

As more drivers gathered, the atmosphere inside the restaurant became crowded and chaotic. It was evident that the management had little regard for the convenience and professionalism that should be extended to these drivers, treating them as an afterthought rather than an integral part of the business.

What struck me the most was the stark contrast in treatment between the seated diners and those who ordered takeaway. It felt as though the restaurant only cared about catering to wealthy patrons who could afford to sit and enjoy an expensive meal. On the other hand, the customers who ordered takeaway were seemingly considered of lower importance, with their cold meals and rushed service.

It was particularly disheartening to witness the staff prioritize a $115 bottle of gin for the affluent diners, while simultaneously neglecting the quality of service for those who ordered takeaway. The inconsistency in their priorities was glaring, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth as I continued to dine.

Overall, my experience at this restaurant was marred by the sense of elitism and disregard for customers who opted for takeaway. It felt as though the focus was solely on appeasing the wealthy clientele, while those with takeaway orders were treated as an inconvenience. This lack of responsibility and respect towards all customers, regardless of their spending power, is truly disappointing and not in line with the essence of genuine...