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THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED!
If you'd like to try something a little different, head down to Izakaya Japanese Tavern in Cardiff Bay for an evening of sushi and saki.
Using chopsticks is optional, but unless you speak fluent Japanese - prepare for an evening of fun as you try to pronounce the dishes from the menu.
There are no 'courses' to speak of with Japanese food - you are advised to pick and choose dishes, almost in random fashion, from the menu. What this means is that you can end up with some weird and wonderful combinations...anyone for pork casserole with a side serving of fresh salmon, not forgetting the pumpkin dumplings? Contrary to what I had expected, there was far more on offer than simply raw fish dishes. Most dishes are around the £5-£6 mark. For those of you who aren't brave enough to choose your own combinations - set meals are available.
Izakaya is a small restaurant with a very relaxed, almost cafe like, air about the place. The service is friendly and you even get a send off from the chefs as you leave. It works equally well as a place to grab a quick lunch and as a setting for a more formal dinner.
The novelty value here has to rate quite highly as you take your seat amongst the bamboo furniture and paper lanterns. Aswell as the more conventional table and chair seating arrangements - there are also four low slung traditional Japanese tables set at the back of the restaurant.
For those of you who have grown weary of meat and two veg - this is the place to revitalise your palette.
Top Tip: Try the teriyaki chicken - it's fantastic!
Posted by Taffy 25th February 2003
Why did it closed?
I lived in Cardiff 5 years ago and really liked this place. It's a great shame to see that it's closed. Does anyone know why?
Posted 12th Nov 2006 9:06am by rhysboy
Re: very average....
When did you go ? It has closed down now...
When I went more than 60 percent of the staff were Japanese and the price and portion size were great.
I would love to try a truly authentic Japanese restaurant and I have to be honest that was the closest I feel I have came. For once the food tasted different in a nice way, not like just Chinese food branded as Japanese.
If you know of any other Japanese restaurants I would be interested in hearing of them.
Posted 19th May 2006 8:48am by jg
very average....
first of all this is not an authentic japanese restaurant. the staff are all chinese and the chef too. all japanese restaurants as far as i know not really japanese.
anyway i will talk about the service and the food.
when i went there with my friend, we ordered some sushi, yakisoba, miso ramen etc...
my friend found a strand of hair in the ramen. we complained and was given a very suspicious look from the waiter. fortunately we did get the replacement. the food itself was very average.... As im japanese myself, i know what those food should taste like. the portions were not great for the price...
i wouldn't go there again... i left the place feeling very disappointed.
Posted 16th May 2006 6:35pm by jagaimo125
CLOSED !
By the looks of it this has closed down now... :( ... It was a great place to eat and is a great shame..
There is no sign on the door and its been closed over 2 weeks.
Posted 14th Feb 2006 12:15pm by jg
Excellent!
I first read about this place in a food review in Red handed magazine, and I have to say that I wasn't let down.
If only it's neighbours on Mermaid Quay took a leaf out of these guy's books, eating down the bay would be much more enjoyable!
Top Marks!!!
Posted 11th Jan 2006 5:57pm by Fitz
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