Last updated on June 8, 2016
Opened late last year, Saikai is a modern izakaya in west village. Although also operated by two Masa Vets, unlike Neta or Shuko, Saikai is not as hyped, nor “publicized”. the only publicity it has gotten so far, was a mention on the Forbes as one of the 5 must try new restaurants. Thanks to the friends at Neuro Dining, on a weekday evening, we paid a visit to this sleek Japanese pub/ restaurant, and it did not disappointed.
There are two bars in this place. The one out front is the sake bar; the other is all the way in the back, but it is not a sushi counter, since sushi is not made there, and there isn’t a refrigeration unit at the counter. There is a grill behind the counter, we suspect that it is for yakitori. However, throughout the night we were there, no action is seen. We chose to sit at the counter. There are a few booths for more somewhat “Private” cozy sitting. Dim lite, dark but warm. There were only a couple other tables besides us.
We were so excited! So many uni items on the menu. I read it somewhere that earlier this year, they offered Uni 6 ways as a tasting menu. We totally missed out. Therefore our strategy is to order everything that has Uni in it.
Oyster Ceviche (special)
– Huge, giant oyster. incredibly sweet. There are also scallop in the mix, and of course UNI!!!! And cherry tomato. So light and refreshing, and plenty to pick at. We love it so much, we had two of them! 🙂
Uni Toast– Sea urchin, botan ebi on a lightly toasted milk bread. The dressing with ebi felt unnecessary. When you have ingredients this fresh, they shouldn’t be hiding in dressing…
Uni Yuba– Sea urchin atop grilled pressed tofu skin, aka yuba. The green stuff is edamame puree, crispy yuba, thick creamy edamame puree, and the sweetness of the uni. Take is in one bite. It’s a great contrast combination.
Sushi Tasting– from left to right: Toro, Tai, Akami, Hamachi belly, Botan Ebi, Kanpachi, Giant Clam, Uni, Mackerel
$48 for 9 pieces of chef selection sushi. Yes, we didn’t have any the sushi counter action here, nor did we have any interaction with sushi chef. Nevertheless Good quality sushi. Of course we cannot compare to other high end sushi places. At this price range, we are happy.
King Crab DoNabe with Uni– You can get this without uni, but why would you?? Served in a hot stone pot, this rice dish is excellent. Lots of crab meat, uni are lightly torched, and sprinkled with tobiko. Hearty, comfort food. Nice portion too. Great food are meant to be shared.
Shiso Ice cream and Yuzu Sorbet
We love, love the yuzu sorbet!!!!! not overly sour, just right amount of sweetness and sour. And there’s pop rocks on top!!! one bite, I was in love! Every spoon is a dance party in my mouth. We were so happy and excited!!! why couldn’t people think of this sooner? Pop rocks ice cream, where have you been all my life!?!
We are very satisfy with our night at Saikai. It is quiet. Sophisticated but not intimidating. Service is warm and attentive. Not cheap but affordable, and decent quality. We have long for something in the mid-price range, and now we have it. Saikai is still petty new and lesser known, and frankly, for my sake, I’d like to keep it this way.
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