Soto

PLEASE NOTE: SOTO IS NOW CLOSED

13 St Marys Rd, St Marys Bay. Ph 360-0021, soto.co.nz.
Lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday. $$

Gosh, we like the new-look Soto. Okay, so it’s been that way for more than a year now, but in a city where it seems like all the flashy Japanese action is happening downtown, it’s easy to forget just how good this bistro-style modern Japanese place is, tucked away at the St Marys Bay end of Ponsonby. Now more than 10 years old, they’ve got “anniversary specials” on the menu, and that menu is plenty long enough for everyone to find a few favourites. The view from the charming courtyard over the city is quite splendid, while the food, designed by master chef Makoto Tokuyama, is every bit as flamboyant, flavourful and fun as it ever was. Under proprietor Ricky Lee’s expert guidance, Soto operates as an izakaya restaurant, which means they encourage customers to have a quick bite and a glass of something, or to stay for a much longer meal. If you’re not sure, we recommend you try the first, and just see if you can withstand staying for the second.

4 Spoons

A favourite dish: Tiger prawn filo tempura.

Shared-plate options / Fixed-price meals / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Good seating outside / Private room / Takes large groups / Bar / Craft beer selection / Good for kids