Masuya Japanese Seafood Restaurant

Since Canada, I haven't had a Japanese food fix, so when time came for a girly catchup (i.e. gossip/bitching session), we went to revisit a favourite to see how this place measures up to Japan.

Food

It's my 3rd time at Masuya, I've been once before for dinner and once for lunch. Dinner was great, there are lots of specialties you can try, all based around seafood of course.

For lunch though, they have special "bento" boxes which are relatively good value. Last time I tried the Masuya Set -Teriyaki chicken, tempura, sashimi, rice and miso soup ($22.50) which was great. This time I had the Tempura & Sushi Set - Deep-fried king prawns, seafood and vegetables served with tempura dipping sauce, assorted sushi and miso soup ($19.50). I also inherited Ashley's sashimi (she ordered Shogun Set - Wagyu yakiniku beef, teriyaki chicken, tempura, sashimi, nigiri sushi, California roll, miso soup and rice $27.50) since she doesn't eat raw fish. This place is known for the quality of their seafood, and the sashimi (salmon and red tuna) and sushi (Tokyo style + California rolls) had great quality fish, although not as fresh or as nice tasting as the ones in Japan. The sushi rice was fresh, but not very vinegary, which is a good thing. The tempura was a standout. It was crunchy and not cloggy, even better than the tempuras in Japan.

Rating - 8.5

Atmosphere

Being situated in a basement somehow adds to the Japanese feel of the place. Unlike Japan though, the tables are quite huge, but like Japan, are quite close to each other. For some reason, this place is frequented by a lot of men...who like to drink Sapporo beer, so if anyone is hunting for a guy, this is not a bad place to look. The decor is sparse but neat and tidy. There are usually lots of Japanese dining here, although lots more non-Japs have now discovered the place. All the waiters are Jap, so I could here the familiar " Irrashaimases" echoing all around. This place is always crowded, so either book or go early!

Rating - 2

Service

Well, the service is not as good as in Japan, but the waiters are Japanese afterall, so the service is better than almost anywhere in Sydney :) Because they were so busy, we didn't get served as soon as we liked. However, they are extremely efficient and meals get delivered in good time.

Rating - 3

C-factor

Masuya is not cheap, but I guess for the quality and quantity you're given, it's worth it. And as they say, to feel like you're in Japan again? Priceless.

Rating - 1.5

Brownie Points - 15

Info

Basement Level,
12-14 O'Connell Street
Sydney
NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9235 2717
Website