KURO RESTAURANT AND BAR UNIT A & B, 222 ALBERT ST., WATERLOO 519-722-8787 WWW.KURO.CA

Hours Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. Wheelchair accessibility There is an accessible washroom, and a barrier-free side-door entrance to the restaurant off University Avenue to avoid having to surmount the two steps at the main entrance. Atmosphere Despite little hint of the promised Japanese esthetic, this could be a really cool spot. Ambient lighting floods through the large windows overlooking University Avenue and is supplemented by large lamps integrated into the superstructure. The soaring elongated space, all polished concrete and steel beams, would lend itself to some interesting music. Cuisine The website states this is an izakaya, reflecting Japan’s rich culture. Until they obtain a liquor licence, and more clearly define their offerings it will remain a generic, albeit relatively expensive and visually upscale, Asian eatery. No desserts are offered. Drinks A selection of non-alcoholic drinks is available. The black tea and lychee, Lychee Crush ($5.95), I ordered was so sweet as to be undrinkable. The server happily produced a version without the addition of sugar syrup. Service Servers were pleasant and willing, though not in the least informed or able to answer questions related to ingredients. The bill $83.29 (including tax but not tip) for four starters and two mains, one non-alcoholic beverage, and a tea for which we were not charged. Note: by joining Kuro’s VIP club for $20 you can obtain a small discount on individual dishes throughout the year. In a nutshell Our visit to Kuro, a new upscale izakaya in Waterloo, was much anticipated but sadly underwhelming. We were served nothing that could not have been done better.