Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar

This Capitol Piazza restaurant is a surprising mall find. Traditional Japanese fare is on offer at the family owned establishment run by third generation restauranteur, Hiroyasu Sakuma. The 50 seat space is decked out with traditional Japanese curios including an elaborate miniature Shinto house. They pay great attention to detail with the food too. The vegetables they use are organic and come from small independent farms in Japan. They also use specialty condiments. Soy sauces, sweet sakes and vinegars are sourced from Japan’s different regions, and their main soy sauce supplier, Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar has been brewing the condiment for 130 years. The sauces are aged at least three years so they have a balanced flavor. All the produce and ingredients are put to good use in a variety of set menus (from $128 for two) and well as affordable lunches (from $15). To go with your meal, there’s sake—around 30 kinds—including standouts like Shinkame sake, which is made without added alcohol or sugar.