MASU by Nic Watt - SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland CBD

A classy but vibrant Japanese restaurant opposite Skycity. The restaurant keeps the traditional trail of Japanese dishes while adding a little kiwi gist. Nice presentation of food With an excellent ambience, the taste however is sightly behind most Japanese fine dining restaurants. Visited the restaurant with my vegan friend, the staff were very considerate and competent in preparing her dishes. The vegan food were surprisingly good. The cured vegetables were crispy and well flavored. The broccolini tasted great with the bean saucer. The eggplant was well grilled and tasty as well. The meat dishes were a little disappointing. The beef tataki were overflavoured by ginger. The eel rolls tasted nice but had small meat fillings. The tempura tofu was a little bland on the flavoring. Friendly waitress and very attentive service. Warm towels were served upon sitting. The food were quick to serve. The place is consistently busy, so a quicker table turnover is expected. Food: 7/10 Food presentation: 7.5/10 Service: 10/10 Ambience: 9/10 Value for money: 7/10 Price $70 per person (excl alcohol)