Hidden away from the main roads of Novena and just facing the shining armour of the new United Square, Nara Japanese would be a little difficult to seek out in the aging building of Goldhill Centre. The only hint to its humble entrance is the existence of another Japanese restaurant just next door, making it a little more rewarding to experience those unique Japanese delicacies whipped up by executive chef, Ben Teo. A former chef of Kurama Japanese restaurant, patrons are guaranteed almost the same sake selection as well as a tasteful range of fresh Japanese dishes.

• The Vibe
  Entering Nara Japanese Restaurant is like venturing into a random street of Osaka. Small and cosy, the interior sports sombre wood and stone combination. Black tabletops against khaki grey chairs sit quietly in the dim lighting, enhancing a gleaming sushi counter beneath yellow spotlights.
  
  
• The Food
  The restaurant teases with their range of unique appetizers like Mozuku Su ($6.00). Otherwise known as vinegar seaweed, floating seaweed in vinegar is topped with fish roe. This cold dish is smooth and slippery in texture, with an interesting blend of sourish-sweet impression, only to finish with an after sweet taste.

  The highlight of Nara would be their sashimi platter (approx. $60) with orders of fresh cuts of tuna belly, salmon belly, scallops and other fresh fish famous of Japanese cuisine. Distinctly fresh and succulent to the tongue, each cut is firm and supple, yet silky in texture. Even salads taste great with an exceptionally fine miso dip accompanying sticks of carrots, cucumbers and radish. The delightfully mouth-watering Special Maki Roll ($20) consists of soft shells crab and deep fried eel. Watch out for the wasabi dressing drizzled atop – wasabi lovers will relish the smoky and spicy effect of wasabi and at the same time, delight in each unique taste of the different ingredients within.

  The Ebi Miso Yaki ($16) or the grilled king prawn coated with miso paste announced its entry with a tantalizing aroma that hits one's nostrils instantly. An almost melt-like texture accompanied by sweet and salty miso sauce summarizes the dish into everything delicious and absolutely heavenly.

  The yakitori menu has a delectable Lamb Yaki with Spicy Shoyu Sauce ($12). Not a dish to be found on the actual menu, the tender rack of lamb soaked in spicy-sweet shoyu sauce accentuates every bite of its juicy meat and is worth every cent. Pieces of deep fried garlic gave a “smoky” texture to the overall dish.

• The Service
  Staff at Nara Japanese Restaurant are courteous and friendly, although it would be best to consult the chef with regards to recommendations to the menu's dishes. There is always the sushi counter to perch at for a night's worth of sake and a casual conversation with the chef.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Nara Japanese Restaurant
Nara Japanese Restaurant certainly dishes out their sashimi and sushi in very fresh cuts, although they may seem a little daunting on the pocket with an expenditure of about $60 to $70 per mixed premium platter. Nevertheless, bottles of sake and fresh Japanese delicacies make your money's worth, along with a piece of Japan within that cosy dining area.

Question : Name the Chef of Nara Japanese