Mr Tanaka's — Restaurant in Ōrākei

Second visit. Had the soft shell crab, lamb rump skewer, ribeye steak again and also the chocolate molten cake with green tea ice cream for dessert. The skewers was extremely good, it is pretty tender especially it is off a rump cut. The miso butter sauce was spot on. The soft shell crab was also very delicious, crunchy outside and soft inside. The sauce pairing was yuzu and also a mayo combination which was amazing too. Steak was good just like last time, it looked like they changed sauce this time which was like a sweet soy with some chicken flavour I think and also a butter seaweed sauce. Very very good, perfect steak. Dessert was not bad, probably the least outstanding of all the dish, the ice cream probably the Talleys brand, the cake was nice and moist and pairs well with the ice cream. Food definitely 5/5.

Saw the grabone deal so decide to come here and try as we like izakaya style restaurant. We ordered vege tempura, pork belly skewer, ribeye steak and the deep fry mochi dessert. The tempura was nicely fried and had a little chili powder on the outside. The pork belly skewer was also nicely charred with seaweed and some pear slices on top which gave it a balanced flavour. However the food took forever to come out, the first dish came out within 15 minutes, then the pork belly came around minute 45. Saw the table next to us that came 20 minutes after us and getting the steak and everything they ordered by 45 minutes. So I went up and asked for a status update and eventually after 1 hour and 25 minutes of waiting for the steak, it finally came. However the steak tasted extremely good, nice charness and fattiness on the steak. It came with 2 sauces, one was honey soy and the other I felt it was sort of like a beefy onion-ish gravy which was the best sauce by far. The dessert came afterwards and was not bad. Given the food here is actually excellent compare to many other places, I was less angry, especially when the manager came and gave us a discount. Still it would have been nice if all our food came hot together or close together since the night was already not as enjoyable than it was. There was probably some order mix up here and when it got busy, then the system in place didn't work that well.

Will we come back? Will most likely come back for the...

Mr Tanaka’s…a homely solace nestled in the heart of Ellerslie.

Seated under the toasty heater, enveloped in warmth, I was transported from Auckland’s bitter winter to the bustling, rich streets of Japan.

The meal began with the crunchy goodness of edamame beans. The bean itself was crisp and fresh, delicately dusted in vibrant chilli salt which brought the vital kick to a graceful appetiser. Alongside our edamame, we engorged ourselves in lotus chips. The distinct ‘snap’ of the lotus chip indicated perfection. However, the chip accelerated beyond the realm of perfection upon its pairing with the white bean miso dip.

I believe I transcended into heaven.

We got stuck into the heart of the dish…harumaki rolls and bao buns.

The rich roast duck was brimming with flavour; tender and juicy, contrasted against the earthy flavour of shiitake mushrooms. The dish was packed with taste, the flavour wrapped in the flaky exterior of the rolls. The texture contrast satisfied the senses, as crunchiness complimented tender meat and mushroom.

Bao buns. A go-to. However, these were exceptional. The fragile bun enveloped flavour and spices, transporting the eater. Pork belly; falling apart in refined culinary perfection. Cucumber; fresh and crisp. Sweet sticky sauce; a festival on the palate. Coriander; a subtle punch of aromatic greenness, enhancing the meal further. Kewpie mayo; show-stopping.

The journey to Japan ended with deep fried mochi balls (aka fried happiness.) The chewy and sticky interior was hidden under a crisp, golden shield. Vanilla gelato added a cool, creamy texture, amplifying the sweetness of the dish. Tokyo cherries offered a welcoming polarity with a tangy fruitiness.

A phenomenal experience, excellent staff, beautiful atmosphere. If you want to do as Shawn Mendes said and “get lost in Japan”...Mr Tanaka’s is the...

INITIAL IMPRESSION AND AMBIANCE Visited the space prior and can say that Mr Tanaka's Yakatori Hut creates a wonderful ambiance with a fusion where the Japanese ink tradition meets colour infused street art which flows from theme to theme throughout the restaurant and all the way through to the private function room (where we understand Karaoke is soon to arrive).

FOOD AND BEVERAGE There were so many delicious and mouthwatering selections, that dance on the palate and are deceptively light until you realise that your eyes are much too large for your stomach. I was no exception and therefore a return is most definitely warranted and well advised for those who are thinking to pop for a light meal for lunch or dinner. My favourite to date is the KARAAGAE CHICKEN and I dare anyone to tell me that they have tasted better than Mr Tanka's. In short, this is a MUST HAVE at every visit.

A journey to the range of drinks available is also warranted however noting the Sapporo Beer Towers I knew that this was also a MUST HAVE. Be careful however you could spend a late Friday or Saturday afternoon jumping from tower to tower and picking sides at your leisure ("AND WHY NOT").

COSTING An eyebrow was raised when I discovered my bill to come in under $100.00 given the consumption of 7 plates and 4 beverages. I was completely, stuffed and satisfied both on taste and pricing.

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