Robataya Yoyogi is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in grilled food. As Singapore 's first-built robatayaki restaurant, the concept is still relatively new and a novelty to the local dining experience. Similar to sitting around a sushi counter, guests sit around the grilled counter and pick out their desired meal choices from baskets of fresh ingredients or simply ask the chef to make recommendations. Robataya Yoyogi ushers in a fresh twist to Japanese dining aside from teppanyaki and sushi specialties peppered throughout the island.

• The Vibe
  Overlooking the clock tower of Robertson Walk, simple light-coloured wooden furnishings found both indoors and outdoors beckon the curious passer-by to peek past Robataya's draping cloths. Baskets of the freshest and finest ingredients chilled by ice, lay glistening in warm yellow lighting while bottles of sake and sochu as well as Japanese calligraphy decorate the unpretentious setting. The alfresco dining area provides a quiet area to dine and chill with friends. Tranquil and relaxing, meals at Robataya are as sweet as they can get.

• The Food
  Dining at the counter is an interesting experience itself; the chef passes grilled food over the counter to his customers using a long-handles wooden paddle called the shamoji . Customers get up-close and personal with the chef and interaction is ongoing; like a hearty “buddy” dining hall.

  Seasonal items like the tomato, ayu (sweet fish) and hokkigai (surf clams with butter-sauce) freshly imported from Japan four times a week are usually the chefs' recommendations. The ayu ($25), for instance, features a soft and melt-like textured fish while the hokkigai ($12) itself is springy in texture and smooth on the throat. Both dishes are garnished with a wedge of lime or lemon; the combination of sweet butter-sauce or salty-sweet fish mixed with a refreshing sour tinge brings out the freshness in the restaurant's seafood dishes.

  Amongst their seafood ($6 - $25), the Surume Ika Ichiya Boshi ($9) best represents the phase “grilled to perfection”. Grilled marinated squid with onion reveals succulent meat, with a texture not as springy as that of local squid. Un-charred at the sides, it is tender and chewy, sour and salty. The meats showcase signature Buta Kakuni ($7.50), simmered black pork belly immersed in pleasantly sweet gravy. The cuts of meat are so tender and juicy, whilst the slight bits of fats simply melt unto the tongue. The Hitsuji (Rack of Lamb - $10) is temptation on a piece of bone. A simple marinate, cooked with garlic enhances the taste of the divine cut.

  To end the meal on a full stomach, the Yaki Onigiri ($3.50 per rice-ball) comes with a choice of plum, miso or shoyu flavour. Crispy on the outside encasing soft grains within, it was a little tasteless without enough miso smeared on it. Lunch sets are available at $15.50 as a cheaper alternative while a sumptuous dinner will set one back by about $60-$65 per person. There are also home-made desserts like the Kabocha cake ($5.50) topped with pumpkin ice-cream, ending off a delightful meal on a sweet, smooth and cooling note.

• The Service
  Friendly and efficient staff at Robataya Yoyogi including the chef evokes warmth in their service and demeanor that it is hard not to feel right at home. Always coming by with tea to quench one's thirst, they pamper customers at the restaurant right down to their bright smiles.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Robataya Yoyogi
Dining at the counter is a unique experience while alfresco dining provides a more serene atmosphere to enjoy one's food and delight in company of friends. Finely grilled, fresh ingredients never fail to satisfy even the toughest customer. Even at nine months old, the restaurant sees a full house almost every night, especially the counter seats. It is advisable to make reservations early to avoid disappointment.