Restaurant Review: Japanese reinvented @ Aoi

Let's just get this out of the way: Aoi does not serve 100 per cent authentic Japanese food. They don't even want to. They serve contemporary food that's fun and heavily influenced by Japanese elements. So, if you're fed up of the usual pasta-basa lineup served at many of the city's restaurants, we recommend you try out their new menu.

Living up to its bold reputation, the menu has edgy concepts and crossovers such as the Chirashizushi (scattered sushi), Uramaki rolls, Japanese pizzas, mini Japanese Tacos and even chocolate sushi. They've introduced eight new appetisers and of the lot our pick would have to be the Roast Pork Buns (Rs 300) — soft and fluffy dough that encases a mildly spicy pork preparation.

The mini tacos (Rs 300), both the Miso Chicken and Crispy Mushroom, are also delicious. The crunchy taco can be easily popped into the mouth pani puri style. For vegetarians, the Spinach & Cream Cheese Wanton (Rs 275) with its crisp coating and soft filling is recommended.

While the new starters were an obvious hit with us, the Japanese pizzas needed some getting used to. The 8-inch base, prepared with dough, cabbage and spring onion, is used for both the Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Pizza (Rs 600) and Avocado & Grilled Mushroom Pizza (Rs 600).

Their Ramen Soup meal section has been expanded and includes a delicious Wakame Ramen (Rs 450), ramen served with sea weed, seasonal greens and silken tofu and the Roast Pork Ramen (Rs 600) that's served with succulent slices of pork and topped with a perfectly poached egg.

It's a faultless bowl of comfort food for the monsoon. We ended the meal with Chocolate Sushi with sticky, sweet rice and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Like its decor with orgami birds and animated toys, Aoi's menu is fun and enjoyable.

Where: 1 Gloria, St Baptist Road, near Mount Mary Steps, Bandra (W), near Mehboob Studios; Phone: 022 69995000

Meal for two: Rs 1,500

Alcohol served: No