Uokatsu

This place. One of those gems that you want to shout about/​keep secret. But judging from the line out the door EVERY time. it’s no longer a secret.
The seafood fresh fresh fresh! (seasonal sashimi, grilled fish, simple rice sets and addictive mentai omu rice) the prices affordable and the ambiance –casual, no nonsense.
The only downside is the crowd, and their dumb auto locking door making customers feel like they are ‘begging’ to get in, and the lack of reservations/​formula for giving tables to people on wait list. (That’s why only 4 stars).
Best bet is to have an early or late meal! :)

This little Japanese eatery is tucked away in Plaza Damas 3 (for the uninitiated, Damas 3 is the newer development opposite Hartamas Shopping Centre) and started life as a small fish wholesaler/​retailer. Owners, Masa and Winnie, placed a few tables so that their customers could sample some of the fish before buying. It became so popular that they had to fill the space with tables which are usually full every lunchtime.
This is unpretentious dining at its best. Good quality ingredients prepared lovingly by Masa himself. Only the freshest will do and you can certainly taste the difference. I love eating here as it is like going to a friend’s house for a meal. The miso soup tastes homemade, unlike the mass produced ones you get elsewhere.
Personal favourites are the air-​dried saba, which Masa brines and air-​dries himself, and mentai rice. Uokatsu offer ocean trout sashimi which to me is so much better than salmon. Fair warning, once you try the ocean trout, you may not want to eat salmon sashimi again. And if you can still manage a little dessert, do try out the wasabi or black sesame ice cream.
Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and only Friday and Saturday for dinner.