An Honest Review from a Japanese Housewife -Takashiya Brisbane

Tuckled away under the Emporium Hotel In South Brisbane, Takashiya Brisbane is a splendid and exclusive Japanese restaurant with its whiskey and sake bar that welcomes those wanting a luxury Japanese fine dining experience.

As you step through its glass door (unfortunately not very Japanese), a serene ambiance welcomes you, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. The bar area is festooned with hanging cherry blossoms, Japanese lanterns and lights inside sake bottles, transporting you to Japan. Renowned for its mastery of the omakase tradition, Takashiya celebrates the essence of Japanese cuisine, captivating diners with meticulously crafted dishes that harmonise flavours, textures, and visual artistry.

Cherry Blossom Decor

From the moment you take your seat at the elegant sushi bar, you know you’re about to embark on an extraordinary gastronomic adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your palate and soul. Welcome to Takashiya Brisbane, where every bite is a masterpiece and every moment is an homage to the culinary arts.

The Takashiya Experience

Booking a table at Takashiya Brisbane was a breeze, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to exceptional service from the very start. With their seamless online reservation system, I effortlessly secured a spot for my dining experience. What truly impressed me, however, was the attentiveness they paid to my dietary requirements and preferences. From allergies to personal preferences, the staff at Takashiya took meticulous note of every detail, ensuring that my culinary journey would be tailored to perfection. It was a refreshing and reassuring experience to witness such dedication to customer satisfaction even before stepping foot into the restaurant.

The good

• Excellent customer service from the start. You feel truly looked after, not just another transaction
• Easy to book a table, personalised text messages to confirm booking
• Caters for gluten-free, allergies, lactose intolerance
• Friendly waitresses and waiters. Kimono-donned waitress only for premium side
• Memorable Omakase dishes (which are also available in the bar a la carte) include Kagoshima A5 Wagyu (their signature) and Foie Gras Aburi Ngiri, Takashiya Oyster Shooter.
• Small and exquisite, with a price to reflect the quality – this is not the place for a big feed. In saying that we were quite full after the 15 dish course.
• Good range of drinks from premium sakes (including Ginjo, Daiginjo, Junmai and Juyondai); Suntory and Nikka spirits, Japanese draught beer (Suntory Premium Malt) and bottled beers (Asahi Super Dry/Black,  Sapporor and Yebisu Premium). There’s also a small selection of wines, ranging up to Penfolds Grange and Dom Perignon Brut champagne.

The bad

Takashiya Brisbane, known for its emphasis on utilising the freshest and finest ingredients, left me with mixed feelings during my recent visit. While the restaurant prides itself on sourcing premium components, I couldn’t help but notice several flaws in the dishes presented. One disappointment came in the form of the wagyu sando (sandwich), where the toast used was simply plain white bread. This choice seemed out of place, detracting from the desired luxury ambiance. Similarly, the very first prawn sushi roll failed to impress. Despite the careful plating and presentation, it lacked distinct flavours one would expect from a fine dining establishment. Instead, it resembled something you might find in a generic food court like Sushi Hub. Despite the restaurant’s claim of using top-notch ingredients, the execution of certain dishes fell short, leaving me longing for a more remarkable and refined experience.

Feedback

• Sudden price increase by $25, although they sent a personalised text message to ensure you are okay with it still
• Wagyu sando was utterly disappointing, where the toast used was simply plain white bread which seemed out of place.
• Sushi was just like any other sushi from a food court. No wow factor
• The restaurant had a distinct separation between the $150 course side and the premium $250 side, marked by a dividing wall. A more uniform and refined approach would have added to the overall dining experience and maintained a sense of cohesion throughout the establishment.
• Moreover, the Chef Takashiya Nami does not show his face at the $150 course side, which I personally thought was quite rude. After all, a $150 meal is still not cheap and I expect to be greeted by the chef at least.
• I encountered a few puzzling elements that left me perplexed. One such instance was the presentation of caviar in a Louis Vuitton box, which struck me as unnecessary and rather confusing. While I appreciate unique and artistic presentations, this particular choice did not contribute any additional entertainment value or enhance the dining experience. Instead, it felt like a misplaced attempt to incorporate luxury branding. It would have been more enjoyable to focus on the quality and flavours of the cuisine itself, rather than on extravagant but seemingly unrelated presentations.
• Food poisoning reported by a small number of customers, including myself

Are they truly the freshest and finest?

My recent experience at Takashiya Brisbane, the highly acclaimed fine dining Japanese restaurant known for its emphasis on using the freshest and finest ingredients, unfortunately took an unexpected turn. Regrettably, after dining there, I suffered from a severe case of food poisoning, and so did my companion.

Isolated case of food poisoning

What I am, is a lover of fine dining, seafood, delightful Japanese cuisine who has been fortunate enough all my life not to have any known allergies or food intolerance. The incident left me deeply disappointed and questioning the quality control measures in place at the restaurant. While I understand that such incidents can occur even in the most reputable establishments, the magnitude of the illness I experienced overshadowed any positive aspects of the dining experience.

It is crucial for any restaurant, especially one of Takashiya’s stature, to prioritise the health and safety of their patrons. Although they later reassured me that we were an isolated case (I mean, how would they know, really?) my unfortunate encounter with food poisoning cast a shadow over what could have been an otherwise remarkable dining experience.

What is Omakase?

In simple terms, omakase (literally means “I’ll leave it to you” in Japanese) means placing your trust in the chef to curate and prepare a unique meal for you. Instead of ordering individual dishes from a menu, you surrender control and allow the chef to showcase their creativity and expertise by serving a series of meticulously crafted courses. Each dish is carefully selected, highlighting the freshest ingredients and flavours that harmonise to create a memorable culinary journey. Omakase dining invites you to sit back, relax, and savour a thoughtfully crafted meal where the chef takes the lead, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience that surprises and delights your taste buds.

Pricing of Takashiya Brisbane Fine Dining

Our recent dining experience at Takashiya Brisbane, left me feeling disappointed and disheartened due to the noticeable separation within the establishment. The restaurant divided its seating based on the pricing, with the $155 course on one side and the $250 premium option on the other.

What bothered me was not just the separation itself, but also the fact that the quality of food did not appear to differ significantly between the two sides. Additionally, the disparity in the attire of the waitstaff further accentuated the feeling of discrimination, as the serving staff on the $155 side were dressed differently from their counterparts dressed in yukata on the premium side. Moreover, the absence of a personal greeting from the renowned chef Takashi Nami on the less expensive side left a disappointing impression. This division and inconsistent treatment left me with a sense of unease and detracted from what should have been a more inclusive and enjoyable dining experience.

$155 15 course omakase & a la carte

• Oyster shooter
• Caviar and Bottarga
• Sashimi Platter with 6 kind of fish
• Salmon Saikyo Yaki
• 4 Nigiri
• A5 Wagyu with foie gras
• Toothfish
• Roasted Duck
• Scampi Miso Soup
• Welcome drink

$230, $330 16 course live lobster omakase

highlights:

• Lobster Chawanmushi
• Oyster shooter
• Hiramasa Kingfish Sashimi with Ponzu Jelly
• Aburi Scallops with Nori shoyu and Fried Leek Nigiri
• Aburi Imperador with Uni Miso Sauce and Prawn Flakes Nigiri
• Aburi Hairtail Grated Radish with Shallots and Yuzu Skin Nigiri
• Lobster Head Miso Soup
• Kagoshima A5 Wagyu with Foie Gras and Truffle Teriyaki Sauce Nigiri

Celebrating special occasions at Takashiya Brisbane?

Anniversary, Birthday, special occasion celebration

Takashiya Brisbane is a versatile and exquisite venue that caters to a multitude of special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or even a work function, this restaurant offers a memorable dining experience for any event. The elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and meticulous attention to detail create the perfect setting for cherished moments and meaningful gatherings. From intimate dinners to larger group celebrations, Takashiya Brisbane seamlessly accommodates various occasions, ensuring a remarkable culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Date night idea in Brisbane

Takashiya Brisbane offers an exceptional dining experience that is perfect for a romantic date night or even a casual outing if you’re looking to indulge. With its upscale ambiance and refined culinary offerings, it sets the stage for a memorable evening. The menu showcases the artistry and precision of Japanese cuisine, presenting a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds. While it may be considered a splurge for some, Takashiya caters to those who appreciate fine dining and are willing to invest in an exceptional culinary journey. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to treat yourself to an exquisite meal, Takashiya Brisbane is an excellent choice for an unforgettable dining experience.

Takashiya private functions

Takashiya Brisbane goes above and beyond by offering catering services and private functions, adding a touch of elegance to your house party. With a minimum spend of $200 per person and a minimum requirement of 10 people, they bring their culinary expertise and impeccable service straight to your doorstep. This unique offering allows you to create a memorable dining experience in the comfort of your own home, with the same level of quality and attention to detail that Takashiya is known for. Whether it’s a special celebration or an intimate gathering, their catering services provide an opportunity to savour the exquisite flavours of Japanese cuisine while enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Other Fine Dining Japanese Brisbane Restaurants People Are Raving About

Would I go back to Takashiya? Probably not. I sent an email to inform them the seriousness of my illness couple days later. They were very apologetic and sincere. However I do recommend everyone to try their premium menu and just go there at least once to try out the omakase experience.

Sono

Sono also does omakase as well as a la carte menu options. I particularly love Sono’s teppanyaki dining.

Honto

I have yet to try this place. It isn’t an authentic Japanese restaurant but I am keen to try a twist on Japanese cuisine.

Hosokawa

I wouldn’t really call Hosokawa fine dining, but for the same price you can get a lot more food at Hosokawa. The dining experience itself was beautiful- with minimalistic traditional ambiance and beautifully plated dishes.

Kid Friendly Restaurants for a Family Night out

Unfortunately Takashiya does not welcome kids under the age of 13, but here are some suggestions for a foodie family night out in Brisbane:

Foodie Fun for the Whole Family: 3 Kid-Friendly Japanese Restaurants Brisbane

3 Awesome Hot Pot Restaurants in Brisbane For Family Night Out

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