Sometimes chain restaurants can be great (just sometimes) - Kikusan

Choosing a restaurant for dinner gathering bothers me very much as everyone has different preferences and expectations. Was looking for somewhere not too pricey but also cozy and comfy to catch up with friends. Kikusan is a place I would recommend, despite that fact that it’s under Maxim’s group (no offence but I am sure most foodies out there are more keen on trying independent eateries).

It’s such a classy entrance that I always thought it’s an high-end Japanese restaurant whenever I passed by!

The inside is just as elegant as the outside, the kind of décor irresistible to girls.

Seldom do I visit chain restaurants but clearly much thought has been put into every detail. Even the menu looked really stylish and cool.

Had a quick glance at the menu and everything was reasonably priced (even for cocktails) so I started my dinner with a genmaicha lemonade.

Genmaicha lemonade ($32) looked quite plain and it was simply refreshing. Loved that hint of brown rice aroma in that light and slightly sour flavour.

Kikusan roll ($68) is a must-order here! Who wouldn’t like cucumber rolls topped with minced fatty tuna, spring onion, salmon roe and sea urchin? It’s a steal at that price with all the ingredients tasted so on point and fresh.

Sushi platter ($132) was very average and obviously all the sashimi were not fatty enough. The aburi scallop is just another ordinary one you get in other sushi franchises but that charred flavour and mayo always make sushi tastes better.

Steamed spinach wrap shrimp dumpling ($42) is a healthier choice compared with the original ones I guess? Not too memorable flavourwise but it was okay if you crave some dim sum.

Chilli sesame & peanut soup ramen with minced pork & layer pork cutlet ($72) is another highlight of the meal. The pork cutlet very tender and the soup was pleasantly numbing and spicy to my surprise. Can definitely down the whole thing by myself next time.

Sake chicken ($68) was basically drunken chicken so we were all a bit disappointed. Could have included some Japanese twist to live up to the name.

Green tea glutinous rice pancake with red bean filling ($38) looked appealing and was not too sweet. The combination of green tea and red bean never goes wrong, with the crushed peanuts and sesame adding an extra crunchiness to the chewy pancake.

There were a few misses on a couple of dishes, but Kikusan is still a great place for casual gatherings given the relatively upscale vibe and friendly price.

Kikusan

Shop 1301, 13/F, Hysan Place,
500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay

銅鑼灣軒尼詩道 500 號希慎廣場 13 樓 1301 號舖