Sakebar Nippon Takapuna

First time visiting the Sake bar here, and we couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. As vegetarian we definitely have a good selection of nippon delights to savour. The refreshing beers poured in frozen glasses are good boost needed between meals. However we didn't try sakes... maybe next time though.In addition, the atmosphere is really cozy, warming and welcoming. The staff is genuinely nice and caring.The spirit is similar the the sake bar in Epsom. Thank you guys for the super service . Will come back again

Cool atmosphere and authentic Japanese izakaya style. Seatings was nice, great staff. Food was excellent. Highly recommend.

Overall great food and fun atmosphere. Unfortunately a couple of factors left a bit of a sour taste in our experience this time around. We were seated in a table in the front window which on a sunny day becomes unbearably hot with the sun shining low and into everyone’s eyes. Ten minutes before we left they finally went out and put up an umbrella to block the sun - might be worth doing this as a matter of course.We dined early and were aware they needed our table back within an hour so we made sure to order and eat quickly. We then were left waiting 25 minutes for our final dish. After following up twice it finally arrived but our young kids were totally over it by then. It was also well over the time that the supposed other booking had been due to arrive so felt annoyed that we’d rushed through the first part of our meal when we clearly hadn’t needed to. Neither of these two things were major but it was disappointing that when I mentioned both as we left that we didn’t get any kind of apology. The wait person said an apathetic ‘oh ok’ when told about the unpleasant heat, and I got an excuse about the kitchen being busy when I mentioned the delay to one of our dishes. For the first part of our meal the kitchen wasn’t busy at all, it was clear to us the meal had been forgotten. It just would have been nice to have had a ‘sorry’ to either of these things instead of the disinterested and arrogant tone we received.

I’d always been told if you write an angry email- save it and let it sink in overnight - so if you’re reading this assume it did.I’d previously been a fan of this place patronising it from the beginning and had always been impressed by the genuine atmosphere, the food quality and the attentiveness of the staff. I love that the food you ordered rolls out gradually with the first of the dishes usually hitting the table in around 15 minutes in.Well…. Not tonight. This rating (3), takes into account all the great meals we’ve had there so draw your own conclusion as what the actual individual rating of tonight’s overall experience was.We sat down at a reasonable time for prompt service after booking online and as regular patrons had placed our order within five minutes. I know we had ordered our meals before a table opposite, and one down as the staff return to attach the printed order to your table.Twenty minutes in and our neighbours are starting to enjoy the food that has arrived, and continued to arrive for the next fifteen minutes. Awesome - they were happy.I watched as others were served, and would normally have been one of those pushy customers who want to know the ETA of their food, however as this was our anniversary I opted to not be my usual self. I remained restrained.My wife ended up asking for a glass of water and gave the waitress a gentle reminder about the food.At forty minutes I would normally have left - especially on a Wednesday. Just making the point here - that this is not one of the busier nights.Forty five minutes in and our food arrived. I’m actually not going to go into the food in-depth, except to say that we’re done. Bar one dish, I’d have been happier with 6 combo deluxe burgers from any of the chains.The service was - non existent, although polite when you could actually get their attention.To finish this, let me quote the waitress - ‘we’re busy - not enough staff’. I assume the job of the restaurant manager is to keep the restaurant under ‘critical’ capacity - apparently not here.I bid you adieu.

Been here a few times and always impressed with the food and service. All the staff are friendly especially Mikki. Good place to have family dinner with children or for business lunch/dinner. Highly recommended, will definitely come back again.

Out Favorite Japanese Restaurant ♥️Thank you for keeping top quality food and service as always.

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.

Love this restaurant. Amazing food and excellent services. The restaurant was so busy. Will come back definitely.

First time dining in and the experience and service is great! Food is amazing, delicious, authentic and worth to come back..

You could really feel Japan with the set up of their place.I also like the sound of drum at the back of the kitchen.We went for dinner and it was such a busy place. We tried the sashimi platter and oyster it was okay. I like the pork skewers, tasty.Food were a bit small in portion and a bit pricey. Good to try.