Worth Its Salt
Combining the talents of Gaby Alves (ex-owner/manager of Alameda) with Chef Daniel Urdaneta (formerly of Garden of Delights), makes SALT one of this year’s most anticipated restaurants. The modern, bright dining area houses an open kitchen with a row of stools for those who like to watch the culinary action. The bar allows a sampling of the restaurant’s quality and carefully chosen wines. Six house wines were ¥178 to ¥260 per bottle, with the Pinotage at ¥30 per glass a particular joy. Friendly and eager service complemented the fabulous food, available at lunch for ¥68 (two courses) or ¥98 (three courses), and dinner for ¥148 (two courses) and ¥168 (three courses). A tuna tartar with coconut foam was beautifully balanced with fresh fish, the feta in mixed salad leaves was delightfully crumbly, the pork loin melted in the mouth, and the beef tenderloin was, in a word, divine. To put it simply, this is one restaurant that lives up to expectations.

–Duncan Smith