UROKO Japanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Petaling Jaya

Note: Uroko has BYO wine policy where they will not charge you for wine only.

If I were to bring wine, I will place high priority to places that do not charge corkage or at least minimal charge. I love going to Uroko because of this reason. On top of their consistent and high quality food, their BYO wine policy is the main factor for me.

A popular Japanese restaurant on the second floor of two stretches of shoplots in Section 17 PJ, sometimes I would be turned away without any reservation, a testament on their popularity.

◾Salmon Ball Salad RM33 - my default order everytime with the salmon slices enveloping the crunchy salad like a ball and drenched in tangy, appetising special sauce. Must order! ◾Jyo Sashimi Mariowase RM210 featured 2 pcs of 8 different sashimi was suitable for two pax. A bit on the pricey side as I could get similar dish at a fraction of the price elsewhere, but the quality was never in doubt. ◾Lady's Set at RM76 is THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY set where they give various items such as sashimi, gyoza, soba, etc in one big platter. It could easily feed 2 person. ◾Yakitori starts from RM4 to RM22 and I never fail to order their gizzard, although sometimes I'd go for chicken wing, chicken thigh (kids prefer this!). ◾Cold Inaniwa Udon RM30 was the choice of the picky princess and the sight of her slurping everything was satisfying. ◾Kake Udon RM22 was a tad pricey as the udon in hot clear soup had not much ingredients so price should not breach RM20. ◾Wakame Kani Su RM18 was appetising due to the vinaigrette. ◾Gyoza RM18 for 5 pieces ◾Ikura Chawanmushi RM25 where one can enjoy both salmon roe and steamed egg at the same time. ◾Tori Karaage RM24 - deep fried chicken that were big and chunky. ◾Kaki Furai RM24 - deep fried oysters with tartar sauce. ◾Nasu Sobori Ni RM24 - deep fried eggplant in prawn meat sauce. ◾Salmon Fin Karaage RM14 - available for limited time only, it felt like value for money to be able to devour 2 pieces of fairly large fins.

A long standing Japanese restaurant in PJ, they also have a branch in...

I am a sucker for beautifully designed spaces that offers great food. Uroko embodies all that and has quickly elevated itself to my favourite place for dining.

Uroko is located on the second floor of a corner shop lot in fashionable S17, Petaling Jaya. The restaurant itself is actually quite spacious, with a dining area that currently sits 28 (CMCO), a sushi bar area that sits 5 and there is 2 private rooms. Not forgetting, they also have a sake bar.

The interior is beautiful. The space is fitted with custom made furnitures that is both beautiful and comfortable. The lighting is appropriately dimmed to create a cozy environment. The wall is fitted with gold matted fixtures adding a touch of class and sophistication to the space.

But a beautiful interior is not the only thing.

The food is delicious, beautifully presented and the quality is exceptional. The menu is filled with a range Japanese favourites. However, the real gems in the menu are dishes that have been infused with creative twists. I spotted a dish infused with foie gras and a carpaccio inspired dish in the menu.

Our starter, the Salmon Carpaccio was extremely flavourful and colourful.

The salad was visually appetising with its vibrant array of colour (Salmon dusted with truffles paired with crunchy greens), taste and textures.

The Mars Maki was another delightful taste sensation combining a frittered spicy maki (did they add a hint of chilli padi into the maki?) with eel and tobiko.

Our last dish was the Take Sushi platter. It came with 3 pieces of Uramaki and 6 different Nigiri Sushi plated from the lightest to the smokiest, left to the right.

Sadly, one thing in the menu we did not get to try today, was the their Japan Amera Tomato. It costs RM35 a pop and I heard that...

The food overall was great. I had the beef don dish with a side of the eel and caviar sushi. It was pretty good but nothing exceptionally mind-blowing, perhaps you could try out one of their other specialties if you are looking for some exceptional dishes. The restaurant environment was also very welcoming and perfectly suited for both family and date night setting, I would definitely recommend this place if you are looking to host a small family gathering or just want a proper Japanese restaurant for a group dinner.

The only thing that I would like to specifically point out is the level of customer service provided, it was a mixed bag. The lady owner was very friendly and attentive, definitely giving it her all to ensure customer satisfaction. As for the rest of staff, they were very delightful and efficient, except however for one of the female staff who was busy looking through her phone instead of looking after the customers. I was done with my meal and was ready for the bill, so I raised my hand up and stared at the only staff member in sight, however she seemed more interested in what's going on in her phone rather than keeping an eye out on the customers. I waited for about 5 minutes with my hand up before another male staff appeared and noticed me, he immediately got our bill without a delay. Mind you, the female staff only looked up from her phone after I have already settled with my bill and was about to leave, that is absolutely unacceptable in the service industry. I would like to point out that there is nothing wrong with checking your phone while you are waiting on tables, however either make it quick or do it out of sight from customers as it is not a good look for a customer...