Tokyo Bay

I had heard rave reviews about Tokyo Bay but was disappointed with my lunch there today. Being vegetarian there were limited options with one very lonesome main vegetarian dish so I ended up ordering a number of small share dishes. The edamame was it’s usual salty self and the agedashi tofu was silky smooth, but the other two dishes were a let down. The miso eggplant had thick, thick layer of paste on it that was pretty sickly and the steamed Asian vegetables were a strange mix of unseasoned, steamed capsicum, mushroom, kumara and boy choy, which came with a creamy sauce on the side… very strange!
Despite the food being average, I must say the service was fantastic — efficient, friendly and polite — and they’ve done a great job with the interior.
Potentially a great place to as a carnivore but not very vegetarian friendly!

The first impression of me with Japan, was the word and vision of real Tokyo Bay in Tokyo. In 2012, my first time visit Japan. Overlooking Japan from the plane, clearly heard the voice from flight attendant, «We are now flying over Tokyo Bay». Sunny blue took up my whole sight, and mind. After 3 years, that moment, came across Tokyo Bay, is still new in my heart.
So when I came across this ‘Tokyo Bay’ in Takapuna, something attracted my emotion on the spot. Just walked in, hoping to revive that part of memory of my complex with Japan, and its exquisite cuisine.
Yes, Tokyo Bay didn’t let me down. Simple outlet, natural wooden wine shelves, stone attached into the war, specially-​designed ceiling lamp shaping fish swimming in the ocean, intentionally set light, background music, the smile from waitress… There is something called zen floating in the atmosphere. Even during lunch time, business people might still make a little noise, you seem to have your focus in this Japanese cuisine experience and ignore the other.
Menu keeps in the traditional way (way too good) Go straight to the set dish. One is Grilled Salmon, and Chicken Teriyaki. Remember, if you have no idea what to choose, choose the first dish on each item. It won’t go wrong.
Set came up clean and beautiful. The dishware added so much to this whole experience. That’s part of the reason so many people are this into Japanese cuisine. You will find the wood spoon unique, the veggie salad was just right with the sauce, the Akaroa salmon tasted fresh, the chicken was cooked gently. What’s more, the rice with miso soup is perfect.
Then I can’t help but wondering what to order from the dessert menu, as the lunch was so nice. Mocha mousse shouldn’t go wrong.
There it came. Light green in one glass, with cream on top and a drop of mint leaf. Beautiful. Dig through, the chestnut combing autumn flavor, was a real surprise for this season. One tiny detail, you will be amazed that this restaurant is authentic. Let alone every detail is just right.
Tranquil blue sea was in my sight, from the window. Yes, Rangitoto is a catchy for the eyes. Suddenly, the moment of my acquaintance with shining Tokyo bay, became vivid in my mind.

I’m turning vegetarian, I think I’m turning vegetarian, I really think so… after a return visit to Tokyo Bay for dinner this time. Karaage chicken, duck dumplings and seven spice squid were all delicious but the star of the night was a baked miso eggplant dish. Hot, miso-​ey and silky on the tastebuds which cried out for more. Washed down with a sultry bottle of french red, Sunday night took on a rosy glow. Deserts… hmmm. I really don’t think so.

Been back for dinner and shared lots of dishes, I can recommend the chicken karaage (or KFC as the waitress jokingly explained as she put it down), the pork belly with a real ginger kick and the miso roasted eggplant which was a standout. The duck dumplings and 7-​spice squid were good, but can’t say anything positive about the selection of desserts unfortunately, only that I ‘tried’ them.

A great new addition to the takapuna seascape. The duck and mustard dumpling were delectable, the karaage chicken was crispily warm, the seven spice squid was succulently flavoursome and the baked eggplant was scoopingly scrumptious. Sake bombs caught my eye, but I was distracted by the wine list which included a few sexy french numbers. The décor deserves a mention too. A shoal of silver fish swirl above the restaurant giving the impression that one is not just by the sea but underwater. And the state of the art dyson taps in the bathrooms confirm that the future has arrived. The service is great and the view is lovely by day and by night. Worth the drive.