Kuuraku Brigade Road, Bangalore — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Kuuraku, an exceptional Japanese restaurant in Bengaluru, has left an indelible impression on my taste buds and culinary senses. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was immersed in an authentic Japanese dining experience that exceeded all my expectations.

Let me start by raving about their Teppan Gyoza, a culinary masterpiece that is nothing short of perfection. The gyoza dumplings were impeccably pan-fried, boasting a delicate, crispy texture that gave way to a succulent filling bursting with flavors. Each bite was a harmonious combination of savory meat and fragrant herbs, leaving me longing for more. The accompanying dipping sauce elevated the experience, adding a delightful tanginess to the already exquisite flavors.

Next up, the Butabara. This dish was a revelation, showcasing the true artistry of Japanese cooking. The succulent pork belly, expertly grilled to achieve the perfect balance between tender meat and crispy skin, was an absolute delight. The flavor profile was enhanced by a delectable marinade that added a subtle sweetness, complementing the richness of the meat. I couldn't help but savor every mouthful, relishing the layers of taste that unfolded with each bite.

The Yakitori Don, a delightful combination of grilled skewered chicken and fragrant rice, transported me to the streets of Japan with its authentic flavors. The chicken was tender and marinated to perfection, with a smoky char that added depth to the dish. The bed of fluffy rice acted as the perfect canvas, absorbing the savory juices and tying everything together. It was a true celebration of simplicity and balance.

To conclude this culinary journey, I must mention the Matcha Cheesecake. As a lover of both matcha and cheesecake, this dessert was a dream come true. The velvety smoothness of the cheesecake was infused with the earthy bitterness of matcha, creating a captivating contrast that was both refreshing and indulgent. Each bite offered a moment of bliss, leaving me with a sense of pure satisfaction.

The service at Kuuraku deserves special mention as well. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about Japanese cuisine. They guided me through the menu with genuine enthusiasm, ensuring that my dining experience was memorable from start to finish.

Kuuraku is a hidden gem that offers an authentic taste of Japan right here in Bengaluru. From the impeccable Teppan Gyoza to the mouthwatering Butabara, the delightful Yakitori Don, and the heavenly Matcha Cheesecake, every dish surpassed my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend Kuuraku to anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience that will transport them to the...

Dropped by today for a late lunch to find other late-lunchers slowly trickling out. This eatery had been on my radar for a few months, so I was excited to sample their dishes. Kudos to the owner(s) for attempting to make the interiors as authentic as possible. I haven't been to Japan myself, but I've seen enough of YouTube videos of vloggers visiting restaurants in Japan, so this place reminded me of a Japanese diner. The bar around the kitchen for those who want to grab a quick bite whilst having a first-hand view of the chef is quite close to the real deal. The staff are quite sprightly and greet you in Japanese when you enter. Another custom quite common in Japanese diners. They also say goodbye in Japanese when you leave. I don't know if the dresses the waitresses wear are authentic, but they are quirky. It was around 4 when I got to the restaurant, so there were quite a few vacant tables. I studied the menu properly so I had a good idea of what was on offer. I had initially planned to try Tonkotsu ramen to gauge the food properly. Sadly, they don't serve that, and I didn't spot any beef items either. I had to settle for the next best thing: Iekei Ramen, which features a pork and soy sauce broth with thick straight noodles. It comes with dried seaweed and a slice of pork chashu. It did not take very long for my order to get ready, which means that they are preparing it to order. Once my bowl arrived, I had to ask for a fork cause I haven't yet learned how to use chopsticks. Anyway, the broth-- that's what makes or breaks a bowl of ramen-- this one was creamy and flavorful. From the little knowledge I have of Japanese food, this type of flavor is close to home. Japanese food is subtle. Flavor-wise it's close to French and Italian cuisine. Yet, I'm not Japanese, so I had to add some of the homemade Japanese chili oil that's one of the condiments on every table. That really helped and gave the chilled out broth a much-needed jolt of spice. I finished the bowl of ramen quite easily, all though the porky broth did make me sweat even more in spite of the AC. I felt like there was some room left in my Indian stomach, so I orderde the Macha cheesecake as a dessert. The cheesecake lived up to its name. It had the Japanese green tea flavor, along with a slight roasted overtone, and it had the texture of cheesecake. Would I order it again? Probably not as there are other desserts to try. It was a satisfying meal, and I expected the meal to be pricey because of the premium location and imported ingredients, so Rs. 1386, including service charge seems fair. I think you could keep your bill under 1 k if you order only...

This place is situated on MG Road. I was so hungry and missed Japanese food so much, and I was craving it badly, and suddenly I came across this place on my way and I was so happy!!. I checked the online reviews for this place and decided to go in.

Big mistake! The place was so tiny and packed; I had to wait a long time to even get inside, and on top of that, I was so hungry. Once I got in, I saw the place was too tiny and couldn't accommodate many people. I got a seat in front of the counter where the chefs cook, but the AC duct above kept leaking. I and other people sitting right under it were complaining about it. When I informed the waiters, they said there were no other place, and I was served food right under a dripping AC duct.  🙂 coughs Customer service coughs.

Coming to food, I ordered the bare minimum: a roll, yaki, a juice, and a dessert.  And bro, the prices didn't even match the quantity. The five-piece dynamite roll was 800 bucks—what!? I've been to many Japanese restaurants, and a four-piece sushi roll would cost you around 280-300 max.

So, was the roll so special that it cost so much? No, the food was far below my expectations. For a restaurant with so many awards on the wall, it just didn't make sense. Neither the food quality nor the service met my expectations, and it was really disappointing. I couldn't even enjoy my meal with the dripping water on my plate and all over the place. When I saw a table nearby become empty (no leaking ac above) and wanted to switch, they took their sweet time to confirm that🙂 and later helped me switch.

Finally, when I thought I could enjoy my meal, the waiters waited for me to finish eating:). I understand that people are waiting outside, and the place is too small (which is not my mistake, to be honest), but I also paid for the food and service.  The total cost was around 1.5k, and with extra charges it came upto 2k(Bill attached below).  The extra 500 I paid as service charges—I wonder if it was for the dripping water from the AC?

So, in conclusion, do I recommend this place? If you want a quick meal and don't really want to enjoy what you're eating while paying extra for nothing, then go ahead. Otherwise, there are far better places with good food, ambiance, and...