The Yes List KL - Japanese

A relatively new kid on the block, Uokatsu prides itself in serving the freshest sashimi and perfectly grilled fish with simple accompaniments ranging from rice to mentaiko to onsen tamago. They also have a breakfast plate which I hope to try on my next visit. Well worth a visit if you're in Hartamas - prices are reasonable, too (the ocean trout belly salmon in the middle cost us RM25)! Uokatsu doesn't have a sign, so you have to feel your way around Plaza Damas 3 - right across the main road from Hartamas Shopping Centre.

I always do a double take when it comes to F+B chains because I find many struggle to maintain consistency across their outlets, but Rakuzen is an exception (for the record, my favourite outlets are at Publika and Oasis Square). Service is good - not excellent, food is always, always consistent and prices are competitive. My top picks are the Salmon Sashimi Zen (pictured, a set meal comprised of salmon slices, rice, miso soup, chawan mushi, fruit - RM30) and the Shimeji Karaage (battered Shimeji shrooms - RM12) but Rakuzen is an all-rounder and gets the nod from tempura to teppanyaki to fried rice. Here's a tip for KL Japanese food lovers: most restaurants get their fish deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays - my choice days to place that sashimi order. Bookings always advised.

My love affair with sashimi is long-spanning, and I'm always down for anywhere with fresh fish and good cuts. Senya's menu is longer than your monthly grocery list and spans from yakitori, salads and katsus to ramens, grilled fish and sashimi. I'm pleased to report we sampled dishes across several categories and Senya has never disappointed - the salmon belly shioyaki is perfectly grilled, the salmon sashimi fresh, well-cut and well-priced, the yakitori fresh and hits the spot and the donburis very strong. I see myself returning here for fuss-free, casual Japanese dining, more so because it doesn't bust the wallet (RM12 approx. for the sashimi pictured above). Non-halal.