En Japanese Dining Bar

In a country where ‘blur’ is practically a universal trademark, En Japanese distinguishes itself with its alarmingly cheerful and attentive service. And the food is of an equally high standard. There are lots of Okinawan favourites, including succulent pork belly stewed in thick soy sauce with daikon, and bitter gourd sweetly hit with plum. The unagi fried rice – oiled and savoury – is perfectly done, as is the grilled fish head (which has been butterfly-cut, so, reassuringly, doesn’t look like a head). For rainy evenings, sit outside with a huge bowl of shabu-shabu and enjoy the fresh smell of rain.

If you are one of those who sniffs at all-you-can-eat buffets, do yourself a favour and make a trip down to En Japanese – you’ll emerge a reformed character. The à la carte dishes are cooked with finesse, and several are presented in exquisite stoneware. In addition to the usual suspects of sashimi, sushi, noodles and tempura, for a fixed price of $48++, you get the option to indulge in a $10 top-up for a free-flow of Grade 9 Australian Wagyu beef, served either shabu shabu- or sukiyaki-style. A few other top picks include a refreshing pork salad in sesame dressing, piquant kimchi fried rice and heavenly soft-shell crab maki.