Donto Sapporo - Japanese restaurant

You know how you get cravings for things at the darndest of moments? Well, I had a craving today and I took action! Japanese food...craving level 9.5! Had to have and had we did.
We chose an institution on the Gold Coast in Broadbeach - Donto Sapporo. This japanese restaurant has been on the Coast for the past 10 years.

Our initial impression that while the restaurant stuck true to their Hokaido theme, the exterior looked quite tired. However upon entering we were greeted by a lovely smiling and friendly wait person dressed in a casual kimono. The interior & decor is certainly japanese in feel - all tables are tatami style , wood lined walls, lanterns and bamboo screens.

We ordered the following items (we ordered alot but we were hungry...and its a sunday so we are allowed to indulge, are we not?!):
The Donto Bento - typical bento box served with rice, sashimi (unfortunately did not look or taste fresh), tempura (slightly soggy), chawamushi (fantastic), karage and miso.
Oyster Donto - Oysters done in a klipatrick style but topped with a wasabi type dressing.
Cold Soba - very traditional and usually...I stress usually very yummy (not today though). a unique balance of salty, slight sweetness and spice from the wasabi...all eaten cold. An excellent dish if correctly executed.

Our verdict:
We were really looking forward to a good japanese meal, unfortunately, today was not to be the day. Just like the exterior of this long standing restaurant, its food was tired and uninspiring. It seemed that their chefs had lost their passion and created dull stock standard japanese food you'd find at a typical sushi train not something you'd expect to find in a proper Japanese full service restaurant.
On the positive side, I commed our friendly waitress, who was by herself attending to all the customers and making all the desserts and drinks!

Comments

[JennDZ_The LeftoverQueen]

Yeah, that is too bad when you are craving something particular and then when you get it, it is not up to standards! Ah well - I guess that means you are just going to have to go out for Japanese again...and soon! ;)

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