Had such a great time here!
It was our first time there so we got the ‘let’s eat’ menu which includes 4 courses(7 dishes in total): I really recommend it because it’s pretty much everything from the regular menu. We were welcome by the gentleman who was really nice and knowledgeable about the whole menu and suggestions, we felt really pampered!
The dishes were so good and so rich and particular in taste, they added a twist on the typical Japanese cuisine(the restaurant is a Japanese and Māori fusion), definitely something new and unique, and obviously really good.
The atmosphere is elegant and cozy, perfect for dinner date!
![5]( "Recensione")
we had a wonderful experience at izakai tonight. stumbled across this place as i was searching for restaurants in tauranga during our visit and did not disappoint whatsoever! the ambiance, service was amazing and the food was absolutely delicious. they are also doing a free edamame promo if you sign up to the izakai newsletters which is a bonus! we ordered beef tataki, wakame salad, chicken karaage, lamb ribs and ika mata. everything was so delicious, but the highlight of our dinner goes to ika mata (sashimi) 100%. every bite of the ika mata was so fresh, flavourful and just divine. we are going to crave the ika mata and come back to tauranga just for this. wakame salad was a pleasant surprise as the seaweed texture really amplified a basic salad. the lamb ribs were the softest lamb i’ve tasted. the batter was a bit powdery for my liking but don’t let the dim lighting of the lamb ribs fool you, it is eye opening with so much flavour. beef tataki was perfect. chicken karaage was juicy soft but defs our least fav from the night. the prices aren’t the cheapest but you are paying for high quality food. all the ingredients were extremely fresh, even the salads. no stale, old greens were used. we haven’t had good quality food like this in a long time so thank you izakai for giving us an awesome experience in tauranga and making us leave the door very full and happy ◡̈
I have tried just about everything on the menu and they are all delicious.
Paua dumplings and the Hangi pork ramen are our go to. Compliments to the chef coz everything tastes amazing everytime.
Great service in a cozy joint. Bit pricey but I don’t mind paying for quality.
Best to check bookings before you go.
Absolutely Delicious Food, with fantastic service. Highly Reccomend ❤️
David France - ExploreFeelGood
+5
When I got in touch with Tourism Bay of a Plenty to help me plan my trip around, they recommended me this precise restaurant, which I then knew I could trust right away
When they mentioned it was a Māori-Japanese restaurant, I was even more excited
Having now eaten here, I can confirm it did deliver
Location is convenient in Bayfair shopping mall, by Arataki beach, and on the way to Mount Maunganui summit when coming from Rotorua (from which you can get beautiful views around the lovely Bay of Plenty after a short and easy hike, recommended)
There are lots of seats, and you can book you get your favorite one eventually
Good atmosphere with chill music, and rather dim lights
Menu is wide enough, with meat, fish, and vegan options, plus a few desserts
I was recommended 3 meals in particular, hāngi-style pork belly & watercress ramen (noodles), creamed paua & prawn gyoza (dumplings), and octopus takoyaki balls
I went for the 2 first, along with a fresh apple spritz mocktail, and ended my lunch with a kumara pie
The noodles could totally have been enough for a whole meal, while the gyoza would more be of a starter/side unless you're not very hungry
Everything had great flavors, so yummy, I was full but still wanted more 😋
Definitely recommended!
High cost but worth it for us. We loved everything and left wanting more. My favourites would have to be the pāua dumplings and Ika mata. Less favorite, the kūmara dessert pie (similar to a Pumpkin pie).
I would like to thank izakai for our lunch. We feel very grateful to have had our dishes at home after so much waiting, you know that time is pressed for everyone.
We would have appreciated paying for our ramen, but everything else was on the house.
Thanks to the waitress and the chefs for that
We had Hangi-style pork belly & watercress ramen, octopus takoyaki balls, and Ika Mata. The ramen broth is a bit salty but the Ika Mata tastes really good. All the elements that make up the dish are balanced in the mouth. Staff are friendly and dishes serve quick and hot.
Amazing experience had the $60 a head option where they bring out different options from the menu and just thoroughly enjoyed all the food and the whole taste experience. Amazing service and just a great night of food. Excellent fusion Maori and Japanese kai. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Bay of plenty.
Vegan options! Thank you for doing Tofu well... was what I've been looking for. Tofu Karaage, crunchy, seasoned well, delish dipping sauce - THANK YOU! A fab Wakame Salad, crispy smashed Agrias, Tofu Ramen and a refreshing Mocktail added to the mix and made for a great Mothers Day dinner. Friendly service and we were grateful to get an early table on a busy night.
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