This branch has over 100 reviews at an average rating of 4.8 so I had rather high expectations going in. This casual dining Japanese restaurant didn't have the good service raved about in reviews, especially with a borderline rude cashier; and the restaurant was slightly messy, perhaps due to the small space hence lacking storage.
Boy: Don't Be Square ($7.80) which is a don that consists of meatballs on seasoned furikake rice. Rice didn't taste seasoned and was mushy. Meatballs were also on the drier side. Would rate 4.5/10.
Girl: Salmon Mentaiko Don ($12.80) served with mash potato and furikake rice. Salmon was overcooked and on the drier side, topped with Mentaiko that was very thin and not the usual mayo with a fuller body. Rice was similarly soft and mushy, also not Japanese pearl rice that was used. Mash potato was fluffy and light, but lacking in the usual texture of potato. Would rate 5/10.
Boy also upgraded to the Yuzu drink with Karage set (+$5) and the Karage was tasty at least. Yuzu drink was on the thinner side though. Girl upgraded set for Mentaiko Onsen Egg + Miso Soup (+$3.50) and the egg was also lack luster, with a sweet miso soup cooked with carrots and tofu.
Overall: Ambience and service wasn't great. Food was a little disappointing but affordable with Burpple; post GST and 0.1% service charge bill was $21.80. Wouldn't really visit again but if you are an East-sider going through, it might be a good quick meal option as the food was served quite fast. Although I would much prefer hopping over to Guzman Y Gomez right opposite because their fish tacos are dabomb.com.
Ambience: 5/10
Service: 5/10
Food: 5/10
Price: 7/10 (with Beyond)