Review on Hanahana
One of the very few Japanese restaurants in Newcastle, this entertaining venue on the fringes of Chinatown pulls in the crowds with its theatrical displays of teppan-yaki.
Chefs in traditional robes cook the food in front of your eyes on hot plates built into communal tables. In some places the food can play second fiddle to the drama, but here everything is spot-on. The décor is sparse and minimalist, although walls lined with photos of footballers and soap stars given and idea of who might be sitting next to you.
Appetisers come quickly, before the main business of lightly marinated and cooked morsels of meat and seafood – everything from steak to lobster – served with a couple of side dishes. In addition to teppan-yaki, the kitchen also specialises in a fine range of exquisitely presented sushi and sashimi based around tuna, squid, salmon, octopus and the like, served on wooden trays with wasabi and pickled ginger.
There are also great-value set lunches based around composite rice dishes (perhaps grilled eel or pork cutlet with egg), which are served with bowls of miso soup. You can also get ramen, soba and udon noodles with all manner of toppings. Drink Japanese Asahi beer, saké or tea. All good, sociable fun!
Cuisine
Japanese
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.00pm
Dinner: 6.00 - 11.00pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express