Nara Japanese Restaurant

nara has been recently refurbished and now delivers an even better dining experience than before.
there are 2 private rooms available for those who choose to dine in a more intimate environment.
friendly and helpful staff are at hand should you have any questions or want stuff not on the menu.
specials of the day were brought to my attention without being pushy.
they normally start you off with yasai sticks served with a miso based dip.
the ankimo ponzu is one of my favourite which so happens to be in season.
irony monkfish liver sitting in a ponzu sauce that cuts right through the richness.
next up was the omakase sashimi for 2.
the wait staff politely checks if a $ 100 portion is acceptable and if we had any dietary restrictions.
it was very fresh indeed.
thinly sliced sweet scallops, thick cut belly portions and uni wrapped in tai.
various bento sets are on promotion starting from $ 28.
for the natsu bento, you get unagi, tori karaage, sashimi, chawan mushi and rice and pickles.
all nicely done and assembled.
i particularly liked the sayori tempura.
was initially doubtful but they really did it well.
sayori is a japanese half beak fish that has been one of my favourite, since being introduced to it at nogawa a long time ago.
the tempura version added an additional dimension of texture to it.
the key however is how they fry the bones, especially the beak portion.
nothing was left or wasted, as all the calcium goodness was easily absorbed in a simple crunch.
lastly, the stir fried tsubu gai in garlic, butter and mushrooms.
the crunchy texture of the whelk married well with the creamy butter mixture.
my only complain was it took way too long for the kitchen to finally serve up this dish.