Aozora Japanese Wine and Dine

My Ratings: 4 Stars

Cuisine: Japanese Fine Dining and Wine

Location: Bellisa Row, Pulau Tikus, Penang (Tel: 04-22094099)

Halal

Price: RM30-100 per person

Just opened mid July 2009, this restaurant is conveniently situated in an upmarket neighbourhood and niched as a fine dining Japanese restaurant with a full range of wine to compliment you sushi and sashimi. A fusion of eastern and western concept with authentic Japanese food

You are greeted with an aura of blue ambiance as you enter the restaurant. The furnishing is of classic black to add to the sense of modern chic decor. As you are shown to your table, you are presented with a hot towel to refresh yourself. The menu is beautifully decorated with classic Japanese scenery and each food items are beautifully illustrated although lack of description and you may have some difficulty figuring out what is the dish.

As this is a fine dining, the menu is presented with the premium food items like king crab at RM228 each, Lobster Nabe at RM200 each, giant Ebi at RM72 each and of course sushi items at RM55 (Uni) for 2 pieces and Sashimi (Uni) at RM65 per serving. The later part of the menu is more affordable.

I ordered a Teriyaki Chicken Bento set (RM36+) and Amanda ordered a Miso Ramen bowl (RM18+). My bento set comes with cawanmushi, miso soup, bowl of rice and a piece of fruit. The food is good, much better than the average Japanese restaurant and you can taste the quality of the ingredients. I think my bento set is value for money. It has a serving of teriyaki chicken, 4 slices of raw salmon, 4 pieces of raw salmon maki and can you believe a medium sized deep fried soft shell crab! The portions are sufficient and beautifully decorated.

The decor is fusion modern and chic. Dim blue lighting accentuate the spaces. Great place to escape the afternoon heat and glare or just need a corner with privacy. Service is OK since the staffs are still new. No Government tax but service charge applies. No charge for green tea! MPPP parking is limited especially during the day but ample private more expensive parking at the back.

Avoid table 8 (under the stairs) and table 10 (public toilet visible and can be unsightly if the door is left unclosed).