Bangsar South’s latest Japanese restaurant carries much of the cool and casual vibe that made its elder sibling, Botanica & Co, a success in drawing diners to this part of KL. As far as the aesthetic details are concerned, Bocosan Izakaya ticks all the boxes: from the spacious, sun-lit environment to the Nordic-hued (read: shades of grey and natural wood) serving trays, chairs and bowls, everything works together to create a breezy and calm restaurant that isn’t always associated with a messy, bustling izakaya.
Start with sashimi moriawase (RM49), which comprises three types of generously cut sashimi. The crispy kakiage udon best represents Bocosan’s balanced and fun approach to food: the chewy udon noodles are contrasted by a six-inch block of tempura-fried vegetables that sits atop, and the whole dish is brought together by a light, clean-tasting broth. As for desserts, go for the mizu shingen mochi – a raindrop jelly cake with roasted soy bean powder and Japanese black sugar.