Lantern by Wagaya, Chinatown
Lantern by Wagaya can be found on the busy street of George Street on the second floor of the Sun Tower complex. It is a newish restaurant by Wagaya which is the latest Izakaya-style restaurant. I love the little booths and the touch screen and you can also book karaoke room and eat at the same time.
I was catching up with a friend, A, for a quick lunch and suggested this place. I have seen pictures of their chicken karaage and deep fried salmon skin that I had to try! The lunch menu had a lot of lunch box option which suited us fine, there were also some starters or noodles for those who want something warmer. We started with the deep fried salmon skin, which I thought was more flesh than skin but it was tasty and crunchy.
I couldn’t go past the chicken karaage set for lunch and had it upgraded with sashimi for an extra $5.
The chicken karaage pieces were tender and succulent. It looks more dry than it tastes.
The sashimi was definitely a good idea, too much deep fried food that I needed something to balance it out.
A opt for the pork katsu set, which was served with rice, miso soup and a couple of takoyaki gratin. The pork was tender albeit thin.
I loved the takoyaki – the inside was definitely creamy and had a crispy but soft shell.
I came back a couple of weeks later with my parents but forgot to take my camera. The agedashi tofu I thought was quite good, the batter was thin and the tofu was deliciously silky. Dad had the salmon lunch set which he thoroughly enjoyed, the salmon was cooked to perfection and was absolutely delicious – you will have to trust me on this one as I forgot to take pictures.
I do love the idea of touch screen menu and ordering. Service minimal but food came out relatively quickly once you have entered your order. Definitely keen to go back for karaoke and have dinner at the same time!
GA’s ratings: 7 / 10
Lantern by Wagaya
Level 2, 591 George Street
Sydney 2000
Ph: +61 2 9283 8828
I first encountered this concept at Mizuya.. love what Wagaya have done because their food is already delicious. Why not take on this concept of singing and eating? Seems like the food is just as good as Wagaya, and now with karaoke. Woo hoo
Wow didnt know this place open a 2nd branch, must check out !
I love touchscreen menus. How sad. LOL
like you i LOVE touchscreen menus also! hahahah