First impressions of Akikan Robatayaki in Causeway Bay – something for every budget
The extensive menu includes grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi, and other Japanese treats, but cheaper options available are equally as delicious
Hong Kong diners can’t seem to get enough of Japanese restaurants, and they continue to open around town at prices to suit every budget. One of the latest is Akikan Robatayaki on the top floors of Cubus in Causeway Bay. The restaurant is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle below. The evening we went had a nice view of the sunset – in between the other buildings facing Victoria Harbour.
Akikan specialises in grilled dishes, although it also offers other cooked items, as well as sushi and sashimi. The menu is quite extensive, and so is the price range, which ensures there’s something for everyone here.
We started with the Japanese yam rice cake with tempura sauce (HK$80). Topped with finely shredded nori, the texture of the glutinous rice cake wasn’t too sticky, and we liked the subtle taste.
The grilled ox tongue (HK$88), was also very enjoyable. The thin slices were a bit on the bland side on their own, but the accompanying yuzu ginger sauce perked up the meat flavour considerably.
Another delicious dish was the grilled oyster (HK$150) that was topped with an egg yolk and miso sauce. The oyster was perfectly cooked and had a creamy finish.
Newly opened Sushi Ono has omakase for under HK$900, rare in Hong Kong, and it’s delicious too
The assorted sushi platter (HK$680) was very impressive. The geoduck sushi had a slight crunch, and we thoroughly appreciated the grilled golden snapper and flounder, both practically melting in the mouth. The other sushi included striped jack, salmon roe, tuna, fatty tuna, scallop and botan shrimp.
The steamed clams with sake (HK$150) featured a number of large, plump and meaty clams in a mild sake broth that was delicate and savoury.
We finished the meal with inaiwa udon served hot (HK$78 per bowl). The staff asked us how we preferred them cooked, and we requested they be on the al dente side. They hit the spot for comfort food.
The staff recommended that we have other dishes such as hamachi with truffle, fatty tuna with gold leaf, and wagyu beef steak, but they were much more expensive.
We were happy with our more modestly priced dishes, and finished our meal with scoops of black sesame ice cream.
Akikan Robatayaki, 27/F & 28/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2562 3121
Other places nearby we’ve tried recently
Restaurant review: Nabe-Dokoro Sessyu serves quality hotpot and sukiyaki
Restaurant review: La Bombance in Causeway Bay – superb kaiseki
Restaurant review: Le Rêve in Causeway Bay – modern French given a Japanese spin
