Best Japanese Restaurant in Sydney - Teriyaki Boy?

Touted as the "best" Japanese restaurant in Sydney, this tiny and cosy restaurant certainly lives up to its good reputation splashed on many food review sites. The food and management are unmistakably and authentically Japanese, unlike many "Japanese" restaurants in Sydney that are run by Korean (or Chinese or Filipino) owners and staff. As always, quality comes with a price. Very busy and crowded in the evenings. Reservations are mandatory as the restaurant does many turns and takeaways for local residents and foodies from afar.

Assorted sashimi of salmon, tuna, kingfish is freshly exotic and subtly spiced with herbal salad at the side and fiery wasabi.

The house signature dish - steam crab dumplings is not found on the menu of most Asian restaurants. The crab meat is fresh, not frozen, which makes the taste so unique and delicate.

Whiting wrapped in abalaone mushroom and deep fried tempura style. The batter is heavier and crispier than the traditional tempura.

Agadashi tofu is a little overrated but nevertheless has a good balance of crispiness, chewiness and softness to the bite. The soy based sauce is flavoursome but not salty.

The house special Sweet Stewed Pork Belly is not on the printed menu but was written on the black board. It is tender but could do better with a bit more salt than sugar. Covered with fried wanton skin (picture above) and the dish uncovered (below).

We would have preferred that the large serving of teriyaki chicken to be served earlier, before we finished the steamed rice. We were too full to order more rice. It was good that the vegetables compliments the tangy and juicy chicken breast meat.

The good attentive service makes up for the simple setting. The moment we stepped into the restaurant, we felt welcome. The talking point of the evening was the friendly waitress looked a split image of my friend Pam. She kindly allowed me to photograph her so that I could show Pam and bring her to the restaurant the next time round.

Our special new year treat leaves a clean aftertaste and great satisfaction.

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