Takara

While some places get by on spectacular dishes, or impressive interiors, what makes Takara great is its simplicity. Less than a year old, Takara is a cute little Japanese restaurant at the southern end of Haymarket in Sydney. Just down Quay Street from Central Station, it’s a great (and cost effective) alternative to the grimy fast food joints which populate Railway Square.

Takara’s easy breezy setting

The surroundings are certainly pretty – each table is separated from the main kitchen by an individual canopy, cocooning the diners between the white sheath and the window. It’s a great idea – in winter it’s cosy, while in summer it’s breezy. The wait staff are casual and friendly – it feels like a family-run business.

Takara’s Teriyaki Chicken (Image: Urban Spoon)

The food is lovely too. It typical bento style, I’m served a portion of fried fish with a teriyaki dressing, a piece of chicken topped with shaved onion flakes, rice, salad and ginger pickle. I’m taking advantage of the lunch special – all in for $10. The miso soup is just a couple of dollars extra.

Takara’s bento box

On the menu there is also chicken karaage and the staple chicken katsu curry with rice. it’s nothing fancy, but it is very pleasant, and sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for.

Details

Food: 7/10

Ambience: 9/10

Service: 8/10

Cost: Mains $10 – $15

Shop QG 17 – 18, 8 Quay Street, Haymarket

(02) 9212 2276

Monday – Friday: 10:30am 9:30pm

Sunday: 10:30am – 3:30pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Saturday: Closed