Kuuraku Chennai — Restaurant in Zone 10 Kodambakkam

TLDR: Ambience that teleports you to Japan. Delicious food that entices your tastebuds. Service that matches Japanese hospitality and attention to detail. An all-round experience to be had.

Full review: We both love Japanese food and planned a dinner visit to Kuuraku for my birthday. Easy way to reach here is to navigate to Hotel Green Park. Don't put Kuuraku location in navigation! Google maps took us to some tiny lanes where we ended up at a dead end. The restaurant is located in the basement of Hotel Green Park next to Forum Vijaya mall on Arcot road, Vadapalani.

As soon as you enter, you get a warm welcome from the staff where they all welcome you in unison from wherever they are. The decor will straight away take you to Japan and you will forget that you are in Chennai. There are few tables in the center and private cabins with Japanese sitting around the periphery. We got one of the cabins. It had kind of a traditional setup with low seating (not on the floor but on low chairs). We felt comfortable in our seats. The table had wet napkins to clean our hands, set of chopsticks and a button to call the steward.

We got all the dishes that were recommended in the menu. There is a reason they are recommended, they are absolutely fantastic. This is all what we had - Tori Kushi Course (5 assorted chicken yakitori skewars), Crunchy Ebi Roll (Prawn tempura sushi roll), Teppan Gyoza (Chicken grilled dumplings), Aburi Chashu (Broilled pork belly), Ebi tempura (Prawn tempura), Garlic rice with chicken, Kuuraku Ramen (Pork belly ramen noodles) and finished with Affogato (Vanilla ice cream with espresso coffee poured over). I also had British Empire beer to sip on. Everything was absolutely delicious! The texture, taste and even the dipping sauces were scrumptious. The standouts are Broilled pork belly, Prawn tempura and Ramen. You might think Affogato being an Italian dish doesn't fit in the Japanese cuisine. You are right, but it is available (also Tiramisu) as there is an Italian restaurant right next to Kuuraku called Piccante. We will give that a try someday.

The service was quick yet we had time to relax and enjoy our dinner. Angao served us with a smile and was extremely courteous. As we were sitting low, she would also kneel down when taking order so as to be at the same eye level. You also need to take off your footwear to sit inside the cabin. These details makes you truly experience the Japanese culture. This is precisely why it is important to pay visit to such places and not just order on online food delivery services. All of what we ate and drank costed us Rs. 3,730, which is totally worth it.

When we were done, Agao was at the door to see us off with assortment of candies and wished us good night. All the staff again thanked us and said goodbye in unison. We left with belly full of delicious food and heart full of love, already planning our next visit. Thanks to my lovely wife for making my birthday...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Kuuraku, a charming Japanese restaurant tucked away in the heart of the city. With its inviting ambiance and promise of authentic flavors, I was eager to explore their culinary offerings. I must say, Kuuraku did not disappoint.

As I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted by the warm and serene atmosphere, accented with traditional Japanese décor. The attention to detail was evident, from the elegant wooden furnishings to the soft ambient lighting, creating an inviting space that transports you to Japan.

The menu at Kuuraku offers a wide range of Japanese delicacies, from sushi and sashimi to ramen and grilled dishes. Being a fan of sushi, I couldn't resist starting with their assorted sushi platter. The presentation was impeccable, with each piece crafted to perfection. The fish was incredibly fresh, melting in my mouth with every bite. The variety of flavors and textures on the platter was a delight to my taste buds.

Moving on to the main course, I opted for their signature ramen. The steaming bowl arrived with a fragrant aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation. The broth was rich and flavorful, perfectly balanced with a depth of umami. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the toppings, including tender slices of pork, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh green onions, added layers of taste and texture. It was a comforting and satisfying bowl of ramen that left me longing for more.

Kuuraku's menu also boasts a selection of grilled dishes, and I couldn't resist trying their yakitori skewers. I ordered a mix of chicken, beef, and vegetable skewers. Each piece was grilled to perfection, showcasing a smoky char and a succulent interior. The marinades and seasonings enhanced the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a delightful medley of tastes.

To complete my dining experience, I indulged in a traditional Japanese dessert, matcha green tea ice cream. The vibrant green color and creamy texture were enticing, and the distinct earthy flavor of matcha was beautifully balanced with a touch of sweetness. It was a refreshing and satisfying end to my meal.

The service at Kuuraku was attentive and friendly throughout my visit. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations. The only area where the restaurant fell slightly short was in the waiting time for the food, which was a bit longer than expected. However, the quality of the dishes made up for the delay.

In conclusion, Kuuraku is a hidden gem for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts. The restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey, with expertly crafted dishes that showcase the essence of Japanese flavors. From the freshness of the sushi to the comforting warmth of the ramen and the smoky goodness of the grilled skewers, every bite at Kuuraku is a testament to their commitment to quality. I highly recommend a visit to Kuuraku for a memorable Japanese...

Are you a fan of Japanese cuisine? Kuuraku in Chennai is a must-visit. This was our third time experiencing Japanese food and our first time in Chennai, and Kuuraku delivered a complete authentic Japanese dining experience that left us thoroughly impressed.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the traditional Japanese hospitality, setting the tone for the evening. The unique way they take orders, their warm greetings, and the heartfelt goodbyes added a special touch to the dining experience. The interior of the restaurant is wonderful, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern twist, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.

We started our meal with gyoza, which were perfectly crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. The tempura prawn sushi was a standout, with its delicate balance of textures and tastes. The prawn dynamite sushi was equally impressive, showcasing the freshness and quality of their ingredients. To finish, we indulged in their tiramisu cake, which was a delightful fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors.

However, it’s important to note that dining at Kuuraku is highly expensive. Our dinner for four cost over ₹7,000, which includes an 18% GST due to the restaurant being inside a five-star hotel complex. While the price is on the higher side, the exceptional quality and authentic experience make it worth it.

Pros: Authentic Japanese dining experience with traditional greetings and unique order-taking. Beautiful interior that combines traditional and modern Japanese aesthetics. High-quality dishes, including gyoza, tempura prawn sushi, tiramisu cake, and prawn delight sushi.

Cons: Highly expensive, with dinner costing over ₹7,000. 18% GST due to the restaurant’s location inside a five-star hotel complex. Limited seating, so reservations are recommended.

Located near Nexus Vijaya Mall, Kuuraku offers a convenient and exceptional dining experience for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts. Despite the high cost, the authentic atmosphere and delicious food make it a...