Sakebar Nippon - Takapuna

My go to at least once a week for the last 1000 years, this is really a good place to eat in Takapuna, rarely a bad meal and always nice, very polite staff with impeccable manners and very friendly kind chef staff, special thanks to Mako manager for also being so respectful and sharing warm sake, do something nice for yourself and family and visit Nippon sake Bar Takapuna, you will not regret it! Domo arigato!!

First time trying the Takapuna branch. Have been to the Epsom branch before and that was great. The inside was really nice and we got sit in one of those 2 people pods which was actually really comfortable. We ordered the grilled squid, vege tempura, yakisoba, tonpeiyaki and salmon wing. The vege tempura was perfect, the batter didnt feel too oily and you can taste the individual ingredient that is inside the tempura at their natural flavour, which is hard to make. The grilled squid was awesome as well. Yakisoba I felt was too salty and not super big fan of having mayo on the noodles. The salmon wing was nice, even though it had an eye. Tonpeiyaki was yummy but I think next time I might order rice with some of these dish as it was quite flavourful. Overall was very delicious and I think it beat the Epsom branch actually. Will come back definitely

First time here, although it is an absolute institution of dining in Takapuna. It’s definitely a locals restaurant, for those who know. It’s pretty magical inside, there was a man dressed like a panda that would beat the Japanese drums every time new guests came in. The whole team is in sink and welcome you together. The interior is full of modern Japanese artifacts that make it look like you’re not in Takapuna. Ordering process is made easy with a menu that has pictures and numbers attached to each dish, so you write down the numbers, ring the bell and a staff member picks up your order from you - easy! We sat at the chefs bar and watched him cook soooo much deliciousness that we’ll have to come back for more just from what we saw. We went for some classics like the freshest salmon and avocado sushi, edamame beans, tofu fried in the famous Japanese batter with a tasty miso sauce and for the main event 8 got the grilled eel which was just fantastic, very much about the fish with only complementing flavours. The drinks list is extensive with lots of interesting Japanese flavours. We will be back.