Inakaya — Restaurant in Kowloon

Arrived 5 minutes early for a booked lunch, told no admission to the restaurant before exactly 1200. So rigid and no real waiting area, we had to hang around in the lift lobby outside. Eventually allowed entry, seating was comfortable, surroundings seemed clean, except that a screen near our table clearly hadn't been cleaned for months and had a thick and very visible dust layer. It was far enough away not to be a health hazard to us, so I decided not to point it out at the time. Views were okay, windows could have been cleaner, but visibility wasn't obscured to the point of complaint. Service was polite, efficient and helpful. Food was okay, nothing special, it all tasted nice enough, flavours were nice and well balanced, with some interesting surprises. However, food for children not available, but that's okay, only a bowl of noodles for a child was charged at well over HKD200 (I could feed lunch to a class of children for that). Although we each ordered an expensive set lunch menu (HKD1000 plus per adult person) which included desert, I was still hungry at the end, other diners echoed the same feeling, so we went elsewhere for some more to eat. So, I don't recommend the set menus, one might do better with...

I have enjoyed a fine degustation at Inakaya, which is located within the 9th tallest skyscraper in the world. Inakaya presents its luxurious creations and boasts an unparalleled view of Hong Kong Island.

I was blown away as I entered the Japanese restaurant. The ambiance was magnificent and interior was lavishly appointed.

Starters were understated but appetizing and practical to adjust palates. As do most Japanese delicacies, the sushis were presented with a wooden thematic crockery and a minimalist layout. They came in sets of 3 with head chef enlightening us on each piece's character. The food was at first glance simple, yet complex and inventive in flavour combination, taste progression and textures. The portion sizes were filling yet not excessive. My personal favourite has to be the right-eye flounder sushi, where the exhibit just melted in my mouth, with the fine aroma dancing on my palates. The sea urchins that were chosen was also of note; they were sweet and scrumptious.

All details come together so well at Inakaya. For me it a magnificent gastronomical experience. It definitely stands out from Hong Kong's top restaurants due to its impeccable offerings, exceptional service and...

At 1780 HKD for a sashimi platter featuring 9 types of fish, we expected a top-tier culinary experience. Unfortunately, it fell far short. The taste was lacking, the quality was very average on par with, or even below, what you’d find at a chain like Sushi Express.

There was no presentation or explanation of the fish served, so we had no idea what we were eating. The texture, flavor, and cuts of the fish did nothing to enhance the experience. The wasabi had no flavor, and there was no instruction on the sauces either.

What was most concerning, however, was the hygiene. Sitting at the counter, we witnessed a staff member use his phone with bare hands while being in the kitchen. That was simply unacceptable.

We ended up canceling the rest of our order and leaving. Overall, a very disappointing experience, especially at this price! I...