Mojo's Restaurant, Bunbury

This restaurant looked like the classiest place in Bunbury with modern decor and a wide selection of wine. The menu is European but also contained some Japanese dishes and Sake. We came here for lunch and ordered the Mojo's Steak Burger which came with French fries. It was tasty and the bearnaise sauce and onion jam complimented the burger well. The bun was lightly toasted and crisp.

Mojo’s Steak Burger $26.50 (Béarnaise sauce, tomato, salad, onion jam, fries)

My partner had the Pasta of the Day which he claimed was the best pasta he had tried. I think it contained linguine with chorizo sausage, rocket salad and parmesan cheese shavings topped with olive oil.

Pasta of the Day $29.50

The service was good and the waiter was friendly and able to explain all the dishes. I would definitely come here again.

Seizan Restaurant & Karaoke Bar, Perth 2012-05-29

The Teppan-Yaki BBQ is a 'special' type of meal offered at this restaurant where the chef dices and slices raw ingredients then cooks it on the hotplate and serves each element to you freshly cooked in front of you. The table comfortably accommodates for about six to eight people where bookings must be made about about a week in advance. They start around 5.30pm (for a 6pm start) for the first group and 8pm for the second group. There are three options offered at Seizan including:

• Kiku $45: Salad, Tempura, Prawn, Scallop, Chicken or Beef, Mixed Vegetables, Miso soup, Rice, Dessert (Optional $4.20 extra for Teppan-Yaki fried rice)
• Hana $49: Salad, Tempura, Prawn, Scallop, Salmon, Beef or Chicken, Mixed Vegetables, Miso soup, Rice, Dessert (Optional $4.20 extra for Teppan-Yaki fried rice)
• Seizan $65: Salad, Tempura, Sashimi, Prawn, Scallop, 1/2 Crayfish, Salmon, Oyster, Mixed Vegetables, Miso soup, Rice, Dessert (Optional $4.20 extra for Teppan-Yaki fried rice)

We tried the 'Hana' option where you arrive and are given a drinks menu that is not included in the price of the Teppan-Yaki. We opted for our usual green tea and saké.

We received our first course of salad consisting of lettuce which was plain but the dressing was tasty. The Tempura came with one prawn, sweet potato and normal potato slice. We also received our miso soup during this time which had a good balance of seasonings. The standard dipping sauces were vegetable and soya sauce however, I got an extra dipping sauce for the beef main meal. This was given to us during the preparation period of the chef.

The chef came out of the kitchen and went straight to business with cooking the meal. Firstly, the Teppan-Yaki fried rice was made. We didn't order this but I think we should have as it looked better than I expected and was made on the hotplate. First the egg is poured then folded carefully into a long strip. The chef asks us to clap our hands and he chopped the egg slices faster as we clapped in sync. He then asked us to catch the egg slices with our mouths and I actually thought this was going to be difficult but 5/6 of us were able to do this as the chef was accurate with his aim, I was impressed. I caught it with my eyes shut! He then added the mince beef, plain rice and soya sauce then served up the bowls. As we ordered the plain rice, we didn't receive ours and had to ask as they had forgotten about us!

Secondly, the chef cooked the salmon and used a technique of covering the meat over with a metal cloche lid cover to steam the meat and cooked the scallops on the hotplate where we received two each. It was cooked perfectly and was very fresh and delicious.

The mixed vegetables consisted of the pumpkin, zucchini, mushroom, sweet potato and corn all cooked together. this was nice for a light amount of vegetables where we got one slice each.

Next we got two prawns each and it was amusing to watch how fast the prawn was prepared which showed a lot of precision and skill on the chef's part. The head was chopped off then de-veined all with one knife in about two seconds. I didn't like the prawns as much as they had a bit of a rubbery texture.

Next the fun part began with the large flames during the cooking of the main meal with the option of chicken or beef. Make sure you don't get too close to this! Both of these meals were tasty and the beef was equivalent of one steak which was then cut into smaller pieces. You also get a preference of how you want the beef to be cooked. The chicken was steamed under a metal cloche lid cover to aid in the cooking process.

Mains Option 1: Chicken (Three serves)

Mains Option 2: Beef (Three serves)

Mains Option 2: Beef (One serve)

The chef then left us to finish off our meals. After that we got our dessert of vanilla ice-cream which was creamy and you could taste the vanilla bean flavours. It also came with cream on the side and a slice of kiwi fruit and orange. We were asked to move to the booths whilst we finished off our dessert so that the next group of people could be seated around 8pm.

Dessert: Ice-cream, cream, orange and kiwi fruit

I would definitely recommend trying out the Teppan-Yaki here as it was entertaining and the food was freshly cooked in front of you. The chef demonstrated his unique skills through the preparation of food which is worthwhile having a look for an authentic Japanese experience. Otherwise, if you want to cook at the table yourself then there is an option for that as well but you need to book in advance.

http://www.seizan.com.au/?cmode=8&pmode=0&pageID=1&index=4

http://www.seizan.com.au/?cmode=6&pmode=0&pageID=9&index=2

Nishi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Myaree

This restaurant is slightly hidden amongst the other restaurants nearby. It provides a combination of Japanese and Korean food. I tried the Beef Bulgogi (marinated beef and onion, cooked on a hot plate) with rice and miso soup. I really liked the spices and the flavours were authentic. The atmosphere is good and I would definitely come here again. If you're keen to try a traditional Japanese drink then go for the Hana-Kohaku Plum Sake.

 Hana-Kohaku Plum Sake

  Hana-Kohaku Plum Sake

 Salmon sashimi and advocado salad

Beef Bulgogi

Sapporo, Victoria Park

This place is run by a Japanese couple who were extremely friendly and generous. I felt like I was visiting their house because of the hospitality of the owners. The location and restaurant was a bit quiet and the place doesn't look that fancy but don't let that deter you as the food is made with love and care which is what is important. I actually wanted to leave initially because it looked run down from the outside but I'm glad that I didn't.

A great local place and worth travelling to if you live further north. Affordable with fantastic service. I had the chicken bento box which also came with sashimi and tempura as a standard dish. Everyone loved it! A good family environment too and close vicinity to public transport as it's close to the train station. Will definitely be back for more.

Kahmon, Shelley

The first time I heard about this place was when it first opened from someone who is Japanese claiming that this was the only place that sold authentic Japanese food in Perth. This a cafe style restaurant similar to the one in Applecross called Ohnamiya as it used to be a franchise which are now independant http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/338/1446964/restaurant/Perth/Melville/Ohnamiya-Japanese-Takeaway-Dine-In-Applecross.

The food has always lived up to my expectations its clean, fresh, tasty but service is abrupt however, the wife is very friendly. The place is owned by a Japanese couple. You can dine in as well and they open at 12pm to 2pm Tuesday to Saturday for lunch. For dinner they open at 5.00pm to 8.30pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and 5pm to 9pm Friday and Saturday (not open on Mondays). If it's your first time trying the place have a look at the takeaway menu below, so that you can just call up to order and you normally only have to wait 15 minutes (for 1 - 2 meals) so you get it right away as soon as you arrive or you can order at the counter. The food is healthy and substantial which is why I always go back for more. My favourites are the Katsudon (Chicken Katsu with an omlette and rice) and Chicken Udon Noodle Soup.

Also my favourites are the Chicken Katsu, Chicken Teriyaki, Fish Teriyaki or Beef Teriyaki which you need to buy in the set where "A set bento box" (is good for a quick meal which comes with half a tray of rice and a bit of salad plus your chosen main meal) or you can get the "D set bento box" (which comes with one serve of Chicken Katsu, two pieces of sushi, two tofu, an egg and a whole tray of rice and a bit of salad plus your chosen main meal). I also like the Curry Chicken Katsu and the Karaage Chicken. Also get the Miso Soup with your meal while you're at it! The only thing is that the salad portion is small so I normally order a extra salad dish in addition to my meal.

Café Noël, Shelley

The restaurant provides as range of dishes that are primarily Japanese and Korean based. You can dine-in where there is a home-made artwork of the Mona Lisa on display made out of coffee beans which is unique.

On the other hand, take-away dishes have also been great and consistent where the food is filling and tasty. I have tried dishes such as the Chicken Udon Noodles for something on the lighter side. Otherwise, for something more substantial the Noel Beef and Noodles is a good option that comes with miso soup and salad

If you want great food and you're on the run then try out this place for good food and service.

Salad (Take-away)

Miso soup (Take-away)

Noel Beef and Noodles (Take-away)

Artwork on display - Coffee bean canvas

Shiro Japanese Restaurant, Perth

This place is a Japanese tapas resturant and the serves were extremely small as the servings were the size of tapas. I came with a group to share the Oceans 5, this was nice and worth trying but the slices were a bit thinly cut for my liking, the Royal Flush (almost the same as Oceans 5) and the Yellow Tail Belly sashimi was average in texture and the skin was quite tough, but my friends liked it so maybe it's an acquired taste.

For the mains I shared the Wagyu Beef and Chicken Teriyaki but only the chicken came with rice. It was so tiny and I was still hungry afterwards. It's only good to go there if you're not hungry but want to try a small amount of Japanese food. It had a modern touch to the food and was of high quality but pricey.

Ocean's 5 - Yellow tail, tuna, snapper, salmon and scallop sashimi $39

Yellow tail sashimi (5 pieces) $17

Royal Flush - (Snapper, tuna, yellow tail and salmon nigiri sushi) $23

http://www.shiroizakaya.com/

Seizan Restaurant & Karaoke Bar, Perth

I have been to this place on a few occasions and have been satisfied with the food and service where each table is separated into it's own glass cubicle for privacy which fits about six per table, otherwise you can book a separate room if you have more people. Each entrée only serves about two to three people comfortably. For entrées the sashimi and Gyu Takaki (raw beef) are good value. However, the Yakitori (chicken skewer) only comes with three skewers.

For the mains I have had the Kohitsuji Yunwanyaki (lamb cutlet) which was a bit small and the Gyu Teriyaki (grilled scotch fillet) which I really liked and was more tender than the Wafu Steak (garlic steak) which was a bit tough, chunky and overcooked. We did not enjoy the Wafu Steak with the overpowering flavours of garlic. Overall the food was cooked and prepared well but the Bento Box looked like better value for money as it came with the miso soup and a few added extras on the side. If you want the Teppan-Yaki (cooking in front of you) or the 'cooking on the table' then you must book in advance. I always have Sake when I go there. The Macha ice-cream is creamy and not too sweet!

 Gyu Teriyaki (grilled scotch fillet) $23.80

Wafu Steak (garlic steak) $24.80

 Salmon Sashimi $13.80

 Yakitori Chicken Skewer with Yakitori Sauce $6.50

Gyu Takaki - thinly sliced seared beef, pink inside served vinegar sauce $9.80

http://www.seizan.com.au

Yuki Japanese Restaurant, Willetton

This place is a real gem, the food and service is always great and it has a really good Japanese feel to it. This place is definitely value for money. One of my best local restaurants South of the River.

Entrées: The entrées here are just the right portion and larger than most other Japanese restaurants around Perth. For entrées the mixed Sashimi is good and fresh. It's enough for two (9 pieces) to three people (12 pieces) and great if you want to try a variety of Sashimi. The Agedashi Tofu is a nice warm entrée and the Beef Tataki is consistent in quality.
  
Mains: The mains are very filling and when you purchase the 'set' it comes with a bowl of rice, miso soup and salad. For the mains I prefer the Teppan Yaki which is my favourite, I normally go with the the beef. The food comes sizzling on a hot plate with large potato wedges on the side. I don't like the sauce on the Beef Teriyaki as much though. However, the sauce on the Fish Teriyaki is nice and compliments the meat more.

The Udon Noodles with beef smells pleasant with the seasoning used which really compliments the flavours and there is a substantial amount of udon noodles which I was unable to finish. There was enough pieces of beef in proportion to the noodles.

Dessert:
For dessert you have to go with the green tea ice cream with a dollop of red bean, which my partner claims is the best! I wish the ice cream scoop was bigger though. 

Entrées

 Mixed sashimi (9 pieces) $13.20

 Mixed sashimi (15 pieces) $20.80

Mains

 Beef Tempanyaki $23.20

Udon Noodles with Beef $12.90

Chicken Katsu Curry $13.50

Dessert

Green Tea Ice-Cream (with a dollop of red bean)

Drinks

 Green Tea

Saké (Small)

Hygiene

Combined with the excellent dining experience, what’s almost as important is the personal hygiene. Props need to be given when it is due. Unlike most other restaurants I have seen, this restaurant does not dilute the liquid soap they provide in the toilets. So much can be told about the owner and the management just by this little act.