After seeing such great reviews about Japonais Bistro online, I thought I’d give it a try for date night. Being from South Edmonton, there’s quite a few options for Japanese/sushi so I don’t often venture very far for it. But after coming here… I might just be willing to drive a little further to satisfy the sushi craving.
Japonais Bistro offers an extensive selection of dishes, all artfully plated and very aesthetically pleasing. The service was great, the restaurant space is modern, open and inviting. And the food… delicious! People aren’t lying when they say the food here is good.
However, I’d be cautious – as an izakya, some portions aren’t that large so the bill can add up quickly.
For starters, we got Agedashi Tofu ($7). It’s one of my boyfriend and I’s favourite dishes to order when we’re out for Japanese. The one at Japonais bistro may be the best, thus far. The tofu wasn’t overly soft and the sauce had the perfect hint of sweetness to it. I really enjoyed it overall.
We also had the Beef Tataki ($12.50). The beef was a little chewy and thick cut but the sauce wasn’t too bad. Compared to other places where the ponzu sauces can be too tarte, the one at Japonais Bistro was manageable. Just a bit disappointed that the beef wasn’t more tender.
My favourite dish of the night was the Pressed Salmon Sushi ($15). I grew a liking for pressed sushi when I went to Vancouver. Although nothing can beat Miku.. it was pretty good! Japonais Bistro was one of the first places where I tried pressed sushi in Edmonton (aside from Dorinku). Though I think the one from Dorinku is the best in Edmonton, I personally think Japonais Bistro is a close second. I like the pressed sushi from both places and if I were to come back to Japonais Bistro, I’d definitely order myself this dish. The salmon is soft and buttery and the rice doesn’t fall apart like some others I have tried.
The Love Crunch ($18) roll was beautifully presented and had spicy tuna, salmon, crab, tempera bits and avocado. The roll was a “warm roll” and was pretty tasty. However, I don’t recall tasting any spice to it like the menu had stated. At $18, I think the roll is a bit pricey but it does have quite a bit of toppings so perhaps this is reflected in the price.
Shrimp, shrimp tempura and avocado made up the Double Double ($15). Topped with a sweet soy sauce, it’s a pretty simple roll in and of itself. I love avocado though so I didn’t think it was too bad. I’d likely opt for another roll the next time just to try something else.
Lastly, dessert. Next to the pressed sushi, I was a big fan of the Matcha Crème Brûlée ($8). The dish looked picture perfect and I thought that the crème brûlée itself was delicious – it broke with a nice crack and was creamy and smooth on the inside. There was definitely no lack of matcha here. A great way to end off dinner.
All in all, I really enjoyed my experience at Japonais Bistro. The food was tasty and the service was friendly and attentive. Their contemporary atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for date night spot. Although, I’d come back regardless of the occasion. My only complaint is the high prices for some dishes. Despite this, I think it’d be a good pick every now and then. If you’re looking for traditional Japanese dishes, this may not be the best pick since I’d describe it as being more of a modern fusion between Japanese and Western flavours. But, if you’re in the area, give them a try for some good food!
Japonais Bistro
11806 Jasper Ave
Eat with Sharon 