Yurakucho Izakaya — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Tonight was my second visit, after a first visit a couple months ago, when we found the food and atmosphere to be quite good, but the service a bit too rushed. But I thought it may have been a one off problem so returned here again with a different group of friends.

To be fair the tasting menu at $388 is a great value. Unfortunately, as with last time all, the food came out in a hurry; almost all of the tasting menu items were on the table within the first 15 min. It was therefore impossible to enjoy the food when it was fresh and hot, when things like fried oyster roll and pork skewers are obviously not intended to be eaten cold. We asked the waitress if the food could be slowed down as we wanted to enjoy our drinks and catch up with our friends.

She dutifully went over to tell the chef or manager behind the counter, who seemed visibly annoyed at the request and seemed to blame her for asking him to slow down. And alas, the rest of the food kept coming at lighting speed. Meanwhile plates our were collected up when we still had not finished some of the food. Not what you would expect of a "tasting menu" experience.

Not long after, another waitress went back to the chef /boss with a separate request, to which he seemed to be almost yelling at her. Poor girl.

With the food scarfed down quickly, we ordered more drinks after and ended up spending almost three hours there. During this time though I did not notice any tables taking a second service. And there was never anyone waiting for a table this whole time.

So why the rush?

This is the reason for my low review score. Even though the food and atmosphere is ok, I wouldn't really recommend it unless you like eating...

Review: A Taste of Japan in Hong Kong

1. Atmosphere: ★★★★★

Stepping into this Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong felt like a journey to Japan itself. The serene ambiance, adorned with traditional decor and soft, ambient lighting, instantly transported me to a peaceful izakaya. It was the perfect escape from the bustling city outside.

2. Service: ★★★★★

The service was nothing short of extraordinary. The staff were incredibly attentive, making us feel welcomed from the moment we walked in. Their friendly demeanor and genuine passion for the cuisine shone through, enhancing our dining experience. Every need was anticipated, and their warm smiles made us feel at home.

3. Food: ★★★★★

Now, let’s talk about the food, absolutely incredible! Each dish was a work of art, bursting with authentic flavors that brought back fond memories of Japan. Every bite was a delightful surprise. The freshness of the ingredients was evident, and I could taste the love and care that went into each dish. It was a culinary journey that left my heart full and my taste buds dancing. And that mango & matcha mochi is the taste of heaven.

4. Value: ★★★★☆

While the prices reflect the quality and authenticity of the food, every penny spent felt justified. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that you’ll cherish.

Overall Impression: ★★★★★

This restaurant is truly a hidden gem in Hong Kong, and I can’t recommend it enough! If you're longing for a taste of Japan, look no further. The combination of exquisite food, outstanding service, and a captivating atmosphere makes this place a must-visit. I left with a full belly and a happy heart, already dreaming of...

This is a very cool space with incredibly delicious food. It's more sizeable than most places in Hong Kong, boasting a spacious interior and intimate outdoor seating. The food here is excellent -- running the gamut from traditional fare to the slightly more untraditional to my taste buds. I particularly enjoyed the snow crab hand roll, which combined sweet snow crab meat, spicy, and the natural depth of sushi rice and seaweed to an expert degree. In addition to that, I had the grilled mushrooms -- they're well cooked, and seasoned with a spicy powder. Optional is a wedge of lime, which is an impressive counterpoint and brings out some real depth to the mixture as made. The pancake and brown sugar desert is sublime, and sweet without cloyingly so. All foods sampled proved to have excellent consideration to texture and presentation in addition to taste.

The signature mixed drinks are uniformly fantastic, but be warned if you're expecting overwhelmingly sweet. The penicillin is sweetish, and explained as sweet, but the smoke brings out an incredible amount of depth that serves as a counterpoint and contrast to its natural sweetness. The peach sour is no sweeter, but more refreshing and light.

The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to make recommendations and engage.

This reviewer happily recommends and looks forward to coming back for more snow crab hand rolls...