[T2DMan]

Add your review of I Japanese Restaurant/Cafe and be part of the fun .

Contact Details:
Collingwood Street
Hamilton
ph. 07-834 3329

[tobe]

i-japanese cafe on Collingwood street serves authentic Japanese cuisine with a bit of a twist, and it appears to be the only Japanese restaurant in Hamilton owned and run by Japanese people.

I have been to this restaurant about a dozen times or more and it has become one of my favourites in Hamilton.

Although there are standard items on the menu, they change items on the menu, depending on the season. This is wonderful as there is always something a bit new to try.

The presentation of some of their dishes is what I would consider "modern" or even "European". With sauces drizzled over meat dishes and chocolate sauce swirled under the various types of ice cream on offer, it is quite different to how the same dishes would be presented at a similar restaurant in Japan....hence, the comment about "a bit of a twist". This, however, does not alter the taste. Having lived in Japan for quite some time, I can honestly say that the food tastes the same as that in Japan.

I would recommend:

• the beef tataki, which is similar to rare roast beef very thinkly sliced, drizzled in a beautiful sesame-based sauce.
• the gemfish, which is grilled with a light, sweet miso paste.
• the plate of sashimi. It is beautifully presented and everything on the plate is extremely fresh.
• deep fried tofu with spring onions, ginger and a light sauce. This is great for vegetarians and tastes a million times better than it sounds.

Friends that I have dined with at the i-japanese cafe have really enjoyed (and repeatedly order):

• the chicken katsu - For those that aren't too adventurous, this is a rather "safe" dish of chicken breast that has been breaded and fried. It is quite delicious though!
• grilled meat that you can grill yourself at the table. It's fun way to eat a meal.
• tempura bananas with ice cream, which is very decadent and extremely filling.

With the exception of one occasion where a new waitress with obviously limited experience sat us at a dirty table while there were 5 other clean tables free, the service at the i-japanese cafe is excellent. The waitresses are, in general, quite friendly and more than willing to explain the items on the menu.

[T2DMan]

Thanks for such a full and descriptive review. Good to have you around.