We'll have: We shared the edamame beans and miso eggplant to start with. The beans were fresh, simple and salty _ just the way they should be. The eggplant had been carefully cut before it was deep-fried and dressed in a light, and slightly sweet, miso sauce and presented on a wooden platter.
The seemingly simple creation resulted in a sumptuous dish and the presentation was very cool. It was tasty, different, fresh, and light enough to leave us wanting more.
For mains we had the free-range teriyaki chicken and free-range chicken curry. The teriyaki had a balance between sweet and strong, without overpowering the tender, moist, flavoursome chicken. It was well complemented with a bed of baby bok choy and rice. The curry was more memorable, with layers of different flavours teasing the tastebuds. There was probably more flavour than heat and it would be good for anyone unsure of their tolerance for spicy dishes.
We opted for the chocolate mousse for dessert, but it was so popular the restaurant had run out.
For the adventurous: Miso eggplant is certainly something different and not to be missed. Other options could include the tempura seaweed salad _ tempura pumpkin and silken tofu with a salad of a variety of seaweeds, shredded cabbage and noodled carrots, house dressing, toasted sesame and roasted nori.
The prawn and salmon roll is served inside out with tempura prawn, cucumber, carrot, spicy mayo, topped with organic avocado and salmon sashimi, salmon roe and shoots.
Value for money: If you're looking for a budget-friendly night out, Mr Miyagi is the place. Starters range from $5 to $11 and mains from $16 to $19. The sushi ranges from $8 to $16, while dessert is on offer from $9 to $12.
The vibe: The simple but well-executed menu is reflected in the decor, with plain white walls and no-frills furniture. The tables offer dining for a couple or group of eight and look like they could also be easily moved to cater for larger groups. The lack of furnishings and beautiful wooden floor could create a cold or stark atmosphere but the vibe was anything but.
The staff were friendly and attentive and the overall feel was warm and relaxed, with a white noise of other tables' chatter.
The verdict: If you're looking for a budget-friendly night out that will impress friends or the better half, Mr Miyagi is the place.
The menu is simple but perfected with clever and quirky touches. The relaxed vibe is enhanced by each dish being made to order and served when it is ready, as opposed to entire tables being served at the same time. I'm already looking forward to returning for the eggplant and a few other dishes I spied on the menu.
