Three to try... Turning Japanese

MISO

Calry Court, Stephen’s St, Sligo. Tel: (071) 919-4986 Facebook.com/misosligo This cool, contemporary eatery was the town’s first introduction to Japanese and Korean food, and it has been proving a hit. Owner, Korean-born Nae Young Jung, who came to Ireland to work in technology many years ago, has a family background in food, and when he saw a gap in Sligo’s foodie arena, he knew just how to fill it. Price: €5.95-€21.95 Try: Teffan vegetables and tofu teriyaki, served on a sizzling plate with boiled rice and salad, €15.95 Drinks: Wine, plum wine, beer

KYOTO

John Collyn House, 12 High Street, Waterford. Tel: (051) 854-762 Waterford’s first Japanese restaurant, which is much larger than it appears from the outside, hits all the right notes. There’s cool Japanese decor, very friendly service, and a menu that encompasses a wide selection of sashimi and sushi, from nigiri to normaki, hosomaki to futomaki, plus tempura, curries and teppan dishes. Price: €3.60-€14.50 Try: Yakitori duck — roast duck on a bed of stir-fried vegetables, sprinkled with yakitori sauce, €13.50 Drinks: Wine, beer

FUJIYAMA

11/11A Upper O’Connell St, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 804-7061 fujiyama.ie Fujiyama is a spacious, first-floor Japanese restaurant overlooking the hustle and bustle of O’Connell Street. It has a good range of sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, tempura and noodle dishes. Convenient for lunch, which is served from 12.30pm to 5pm, with both a lunch menu and traditional Bento boxes — these are the favourite of the Japanese workforce. Price: €4.90-€17.90 Try: Unagi don — grilled eel on a bed of rice, garden salad, mixed fruits, miso soup, €17.90 Drinks: Wine, sake, beer