Nihonbashi Honten.

Nihonbashi Honten. Not just the city's best Japanese restaurant, but one of the city's most seminal eateries, full stop. Where else can you get a Wagyuu burger? Or diamond-priced cuts of Kobe beef? Four person portioned bowls of tsukune nabe? Darshan's Munidasa's gift to Colombo doesn't just offer slices of Japan plonked on a plate in the form of hasty sushi or donburi – the sometimes baffling Nihonbashi menu stretches to include the most aspirational, exotic offerings of Japanese cuisine (one day, I will try the Kobe beef…). While the prices can reach alarming heights as the unfamiliar words knit into a befuddled mess – what is shabu shabu and why does it cost Rs. 21,800? – it's possible to enjoy a dinner at the Honten without the post-meal depression of a light-pocketed departure.

Well, sort of. Let's be honest, a meal at Nihonbashi is never going to be cheap – but it doesn't have to skyrocket into a stratosphere of extreme extravagance. The daunting five figure beef items – for us – are largely aspirational – to be fantasised of and salivated over, with only the faint hope of one day ever being consumed. While these printed images are longingly gazed at, there's still plenty in the kind-of-affordable range that are generally excellent, well executed and delicious dishes.
 

The Food

 

A sticky, piping hot katsu don, for instance, is Rs. 1180. Steaming, tender strips of breaded chicken are placed on a bed of glutinous white rice and topped with a freshly broken egg, with lightly balanced wafers of crackling seaweed. The egg sort of half cooks on top of the chicken, spreading a stringy, viscous web of yolk and white across the softly sizzling ribbons of meat. This is an excellent katsu don – thick and eggy, deeply flavoured with soy and accompanied, by succulent, savoury chunks of chicken; it's a large and completely filling meal – only a couple of pieces of sushi are recommended alongside it. Trust me, you will be full.

Sushi wise, the small cubes of rice and seafood are almost always excellent – the marguro carpaccio (Rs. 1080) – thick chunks of ruby red tuna, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and spring onion, accompanied by a miniature beaker of wasabi olive oil. The temaki (Rs. 460), a brittle seaweed cone containing sticky white rice and a thick curl of tempura prawn, laced with a wasabi mayonnaise. Our only disappointment was the gyu no tataki – a standard favourite that's usually excellent – but this time too thickly cut and flooded in sauce, overpowering the delicate flavour of the raw meat.

 

 

 

The Venue

 

The bamboo-framed yakitori garden unfurls into the cool, white dining space that is Honten. With offshoots of private rooms and adjoining rock gardens, the traditional Japanese style seating and cloistered rooms follow a zen aesthetic – quiet, calm and ivory white: bamboo mats, floor cushions and a little gadget that instantly summons an attentive waiter. The Honten goes for an all round epicurean experience – ambience, taste, service. All good.

 

 

 

 

And So…

 

There's a lot to explore on the restaurant's carefully curated – if sometimes bewildering – menu. From the standard platters of sushi – nigiri, maki, etc – and donburi to the more exotic wagyuu burger or okonomiyaki – the food is generally of the highest quality and makes use of the best ingredients – export grade tuna and so on. This is undoubtedly one of Colombo's best restaurants – perhaps only rivalled by Darshan Munidasa's second child, Ministry of Crab.

 

 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

The Sweetest Valentine’s Treat from The Sweet Room!

by Shamrina Carim February is here and love is in the air—So is the irresistible

Kamu

Sawan for Seven! A Gigantic North Indian Meal from Rosewood Ceylon

By Shamrina Carim If you’re craving an indulgent North Indian meal that brings together bold

Kamu

Culinary Adventure at Long Feng by Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo : The Chinese Food Festival 2025

If you’ve never journeyed to China, a  grand opportunity to immerse yourself in its true

Kamu

Cheers Pub at Cinnamon Grand Colombo: The Ultimate Spot for Great Vibes, Delicious Food, and Fun

By Sharon Nonis Looking for a place that blends great food, refreshing drinks, live music,

Highlights Kamu

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Radisson Hotel Colombo Achieves Hotel Sustainability Basics Certification

Radisson Hotel Colombo proudly announces its certification in Hotel Sustainability Basics, a globally recognized framework

Trending

Celebrate Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Lakeside

This Valentine's Day, immerse yourself in romance with an array of exclusive experiences at Cinnamon

Trending

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Style at Cinnamon Red

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine's Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel Celebrates World Pizza Day with Special Guest Chef Roberto Radoni

Mount Lavinia Hotel’s celebration of World Pizza Day on February 9th was an unforgettable gastronomic

Trending

A Valentine’s Day to Remember at The Kingsbury

This Valentine’s Day, let your love story unfold at The Kingsbury, Colombo. Set against the

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Colombo’s BYOB Gems: 15 Perfect Spots to Pair Your Drink with Delicious Food

by Vimasha Weerawansha Are you on the hunt for dining spots where you can bring

Yamu Guide

14 Romantic Places to Spend  February 14th – Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for the perfect place

Highlights Yamu Guide

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him 2025

by Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect way to show your special guy how much

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Valentine’s Day Picks for Her 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, hearts are filled with anticipation.

Highlights Yamu Guide

New Year’s Eve at The Kingsbury Colombo

Embrace the wonder of Christmas with a world of joy and togetherness this New Year’s

Trending Yamu Guide