“The kids have ditched us”, I tell my husband one Friday night. It is school holidays, and the boys are with my Mamma Rosa (she relishes school holidays. Me not so much). They call me and tell me they aren’t coming home that night, they’re staying there. Could I blame them? The food is better, the rules are less, and they can usually wrangle some cash out of their grandfather.
Finding ourselves on our own at the last minute, we decide to grab some Japanese on the way home and I make a quick call to At Restaurant, or rather, as the sign says @ Restaurant (not quite sure why the @, maybe some quirky Japanese thing?). Its a cosy, basic little place and every table has a reserved sign, which means sushi boss Saito-san is going to be busy.
The service is unobtrusive and efficient and our food arrives at a good pace. This is simple, well executed, well priced Japanese. In Crows Nest, which seems to have become Little Japan of the food scene over the years, this one has an advantage. And its BYO.
We start with bonito tataki with a sesame ponzu – clearly a popular choice as all the surrounding tables order it – and it is fresh and delicious.
Next a simple tuna and avocado salad. Not sure what the tiny crunchy balls are, but they add a great texture.
This is followed by a good quality mixed sushi and sashimi plate
For the hot dishes, a light whiting tempura
And finally a teriyaki salmon – the teriyaki has good body, and is not too sweet.
At Restaurant, 417 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, Ph (02) 9437 5285
that salmon looks great!
It was, better than expected!
The first dish, the Bonito Tataki, is a stunner!
I love At restaurant for great quality sushi. I always like sitting at the sushi bar as you can watch the action :D the tuna and avocado looks delicious!
Very fresh, though I think my favourite that night was the bonito tataki