Japanese restaurants have mushroomed quite remarkably for the past years to cater for the ever-increasing Japanese cuisine lovers here in Kuala Lumpur. Top 10 of Malaysia takes the opportunity to look at its list of the ten best Japanese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur – a must for the die-hard and a great draw for the would-be Japanese cuisine enthusiast.
NOBU
As the first South East Asian country to hold one of the world’s most recognized restaurants in Japanese cuisine, Malaysia has the Nobu Kuala Lumpur which is nestled on the 56th floor of Menara Petronas 3, commanding a 360-degree astonishing view of the surrounding city landscape. Headed by an immaculate kitchen chef, the signature dishes include toro tartar, Chilean sea bass red jalapeño miso and octopus carpaccio – you will come back for more.
ICHIBAN BOSHI
Eat your heart out with the various sushi offerings here – nigiri, temaki, makimono, gunkan – totaling more than 100 sushi types. Who could forget the delicacies on colour-coded plates snaking around the restaurant, made all the more tempting with reasonable price tags.
MATSUYA
Hailed as sashimi haven by some, this hidden gem in Bangsar which serves only premium ingredients is a crowd-puller. Matsuya, however, doesn’t attempt to be conspicuous and instead chooses a dim, moody interior adorned with textural art pieces. As for recommendations, order the grilled gindara (cod) in ohba leaf (Japanese basil) and salmon ikura cheese maki for a sweet and creamy experience.
KIRISHIMA
Kirishima has become one of our favourite go-to spots for reasonably-priced Japanese cuisine. While it doesn’t immediately grab your attention with its interior or awe-inspiring sake menu, you will sit up and take notice of the price to quality ratio paired with delectable servings, which is among the best you can ask for!
OKONOMI
“What’s your roll?” You can decide entirely for yourself at Okonomi’s make-your-own-sushi joint! With 40 different fillings, 16 types of toppings, and 20 sauces, the possibilities are endless! This place guarantees a fun-filled experience with customized sushi rolls at great varieties. So bring along your appetite and creativity!
TEN JAPANESE FINE DINING
Hailed as THE place to go to for an excellent luxury Japanese fine-dining experience, a meal at TEN fills, satisfies, and thoroughly impresses. Its impeccable service, unique Japanese flavours, and fresh seasonal ingredients of the highest quality will leave you with an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Come here for a special occasion and it will be worth it.
KAME SUSHI
In contrast to Okonomi, Kame Sushi is all about omakase – leaving your dinner entirely up to the chef! This place is extremely popular with both locals and expatriate Japanese diners. An assortment of sushi will be handmade by the chef right before your eyes with tuna, shrimp, salmon, and eel freshly flown in from Japan twice a week! Kame Sushi is an awesome place to get your authentic Japanese sushi without having to go to Japan.
FUKUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Fukuya bears the meaning ‘House of Happiness’. Having semi-private rooms that have garden a view, this fine dining restaurant has an old Japanese home setting. The chef’s immaculate knife work which produces fresh sashimi cuts, sushi and grilled seafood composes the well-constructed kaiseki menu. Fukuya offers one of the best dining experiences!
HAKATA IPPUDO
Looking for intensely delectable ramen? Look no further, Ippudo ramen serves up an authenticity almost as close to one you will have in Japan! The star attraction’s the ramen, but the numerous side dishes deserve the best supporting player awards too – right from the ubiquitous gyoza! Snatch a seat at the communal table or the open-kitchen counter, then relax as the service team is spectacular, efficient with smiles and consideration at all times.
KURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Kura Japanese Restaurant reflects the genius of Japanese cuisine with an exquisite mix of rare treasured delicacies. Sushi, sashimi and tempura favourites are just the beginning, with a superb menu to tempt the adventurous. Come and enjoy exquisite Japanese delicacies and seasonal delights presented by the master chefs at Kura. Each dish is skillfully prepared and artfully presented using ingredients of the highest quality to deliver a unique and satisfying taste to satiate your palate.
Issue 24/2016
