Dining at Yamaguchi Fish Market is an experience inspired by the fish markets in Japan, but more upscale in terms of ambiance. As the name suggests, seafood is their main focus while a small portion of the menu is dedicated to Chinese cuisine.
One of the highlights at Yamaguchi Fish Market is the air-flown live sea urchin (uni), served on a bed of ice to maintain freshness. This was supremely fresh and buttery in texture, with a taste so subtle nothing more is needed. Not even a touch of wasabi and shoyu. Pre-order is required so do call them in advance to secure your portion of sea urchin (RM128 per piece – large, RM98 per piece – medium).
The Sashimi Moriawase (RM198) features Yamaguchi’s catch of the day; kampachi (yellowtail), kinmedai (sea bream), otoro (tuna belly), amaebi (prawn) and hotate (scallop). The toro, stippled with fat, was my favourite of the lot. Buttery, rich and melts in the mouth, as should be.
Steamed Canadian Scallops were also praiseworthy, topped with glass noodles and a generous amount of garlic for that extra zing. Despite all that garlic going on, the sweetness of the scallops still came off strong. The Giant French Crab was one of their catch for the day and it was good stuff. The crab was firm, sweet and fleshy with plenty of roe. Artery-clogging but oh-so-delicious!
Less stellar was the sang mee with live prawns (RM28) – a restaurant specialty which I found lacking char and flavour. Yamaguchi Chirashi Sushi (RM85) was superb; an elegant dish of premium sashimi, artistically arranged on a bed of rice. A bit steep in price though.
Sushi Mori (RM78 for 8 pieces) showcased the skills of the sushi chef where the rice had a good ratio of dressing and shaped gently to retain the integrity of each grain. Each rice nugget was then topped with delicate slivers of fresh fish, sea urchin, prawn, scallop and roe.
Yamaguchi Fish Market also offers a good selection of sake and for whisky drinkers, there is a range of single malts to choose from, including Nikka. On the whole, the seafood is fresh and of good quality, but it also comes with a price. Service needs a bit more work though as not all the staff were properly trained to make recommendations.
Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (pork free)
Verdict: The seafood is fresh and of top quality, so expect to pay a bit more.
Yamaguchi Fish Market
16, Jalan Kampung Pandan
55000, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9284 6686
Business hours: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm (daily)
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