» 2008 » June » 25 @ Not Quite Nigella

Despite the range of Thai restaurants on every corner of Kirribilli’s streets (we count 4 in one small space) we resisted and chose to dine at Ainoya, a Japanese restaurant we’ve walked past on our way to Kirribilli markets many a time, always closed during the day. We’re lured by good reports of the food and promises of melt in the mouth Japanese food. The interior is all blonde woods and Japanese paper lanterns. As we’re a table of 6, we are seated in the deep sunken table where we remove our shoes and put them to the side. This causes the men some anguish and confusion but we get there in the end. Service by the smiling owner is lovely but his staff are a little more formal and rigid. When Hot Dog brings a beer out they tell him that he can’t drink it there but the owner smiles and gestures that of course he can. I ask if they can take my new (snow white) coat only to be given a blank look and be told by the waitress “Sorry you’ll have to take that”. Hmmm I don’t relish the idea of folding up my coat to lie on the bench next to me all night but I have no choice.

We peruse the menu and order a selection of dishes to share. We mostly choose entrees as they are what have caught our eye. We order the Salmon and Avocado roll $7 for 4 pieces; Tuna Sashimi $17, Chicken Karaage $12; Aburi Sushi platter (blow torched sushi!) $19; Ika -Tem (Squid tempura with wasabi-mayo sauce) $14; Teriyaki Chicken $18; Wagyu Saikoro Steak $26; Kamo Tataki (Roasted duck with ponzu sauce) $19; Grilled Salmon $28; Ocean Trout with basil sauce $17 and a California Roll $7.

Tuna Sashimi $17

We’re not kept waiting long until the food comes out. The first to arrive is the Tuna Sashimi. I’m much more partial to Salmon Sashimi personally but the pale pink two-toned tuna sashimi is gorgeously fresh.