After many years in its Craig Road premises, Sui moved to its current location (previously housed Jolly Frog) and had its name changed to Sakana after a change in the management, as well a new Japanese chef joined the helm last year. What this means to you is that you can look forward to a whole lot more authentic Japanese fare while sipping your sake here.
And I think its new name is a clever play of words, for Sakana in Japanese means fish in general, but here it also means sake and food, which speaks much about the restaurant's offerings.
茄子味噌
If every restaurant has one or two signature dishes, the Miso Masu here might just be one of them.
Drenched in miso paste, the eggplant was executed perfectly and full of miso flavours. While eaten alone it might be quite salty for some, the wonderful taste of miso complemented our slightly dry sake very well. You know this is a winsome dish when someone that doesn't eat eggplant started helping herself with it.
ふぐ味醂干
On the seasonal menu is the Dried Puffer Fish. It was well marinated and served with a savoury mentaiko sauce.
揚げ出し豆腐
牡蠣フライ
The oysters were fried briefly and topped with a dash of sweet-tasting condiment, which helped to elevate the natural taste of the oysters.
豚大根煮
Like a good oden dish, the simmered radish saturated with flavourful broth was to die for.
はまちかま塩焼き
銀鱈西京焼き
The fish was fresh and broiled to perfection. The miso sauce was also right on the mark. Too bad the portion was too small for three.
焼おにぎり
Rounded it off with a grilled Japanese rice ball.
The menu at Sakana might be pricier than the other options like Miz in the neighbourhood, but if are willing to stretch your budget for a more authentic izakaya fare, here is the place to go.
酒菜
81 Neil Road
Lunch, 12pm – 2.30pm,
Dinner, 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Sundays
6423 0630