13 St Marys Road,
Ponsonby,
Ponsonby
Auckland,
(09) 360 0021
The ViewAuckland Review
5 out of 5
There is so much right with Soto that it seems churlish to criticise it in any way. The food (a la carte and set menus are offered) is sensational, the best Japanese cuisine I have tasted in Auckland, (and the favourite of a Japanese friend of mine, which tells you something).
The entrees were all superb (a mixed platter was $24 for 2 people) with the Beef Karaage such a distinct and notable highlight. The sear crusted tuna tataki sashimi ($18) was so good it made you wish for endless fish stocks in our oceans, while Soto’s signature dish – the prawn, oyster and scallop filo tempura ($18) was greeted with moans of satisfaction bordering on the lascivious. My companion loved the snapper and Akaroa salmon “new style” sashimi, and the chef’s choice of succulent fish was uniformly excellent.
The dessert selection – ranging from sesame crème brulee to a potent plum wine sorbet – was similarly perfect. We felt we had had a feast without being gluttons.
The wine list is comprehensive, but I went for one of their many sake options, the Seven Laughs. Whether it be grape or grain, you will find something for your palate.
And the service was genial, unobtrusive, flexible. They way the staff dealt with an infant at our table was outstanding and the kimonos added much drama.
The service, food and drink were so superb it made this reviewer’s job easy and Soto should be festooned with stars. However the atmosphere felt flat from the moment we walked in, and the piped classic hits did nothing to elevate the mood. But these are churlish things. Nobody will leave regretting they have eaten at Soto.
Soto Japanese Garden Restaurant has been reviewed by 4 users