I heard many good things about this restaurant and finally found time (and a friend) to go try out the food. Actually I didn't know this was a yakitori place, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service. Anyway I am quite a fan of the Jap yakitori.

We were placed at counter seats, even though we had made prior reservations. However, we were not in the least affected by any smoke or lingering smells on the clothes, as the grill area was very well-ventilated. Anyhow, having a counter seat also allowed us to have a good view of how the food is cooked by the 2 Japanese chefs - definitely a plus for a first-timer.

My friend and I ordered a meal set (B-course -which featured 8 sticks of yakitori, based on the chef's selection, assorted sashimi, rice, soup and dessert), a bowl of udon, and additional yakitori sticks to share. The sashimi was fresh but nothing to shout about, as anyway the featured food was the yakitori. The assortment of yakitori in the set asparagus, chicken balls, chicken with leek, lady's fingers etc which were well salted appropriately, had great taste and flavorful. The beef stick however was a little bit disappointing, but cooked to the correct tenderness.

We order sticks of uzura tamago (quail eggs), hotate gai (scallops) and kaki maki (oysters), and a plate of fried eggplants. Stuffings of pork omplemented the eggplant very well in terms of flavour and taste. I was however disappointed about the oysters as it tasted a bit bland. However, the scallops warranted a 10/10 in terms of texture (firm yet fine), and taste (salted and grilled to a perfect finish). I would recommend the hotate gai as a MUST-try.

The service was forthcoming without being intrusive. From the dated appearance of the restaurant and the service staff, I was v pleasantly surprised that they managed to keep up with regular changes of your dining plate. Though the place appeared a little cramped and dated, t added to the charm and cosiness of the place.

Of course, I would have liked the restaurant to have a more classy appearance in view of the quality of the food and service. But altogether, there is a certain rustic feel and cosy charm that will make you want to visit again.

If you are looking for a value meal, do opt for the set meals, as individual orders of other yakitori (e.g. in our case) could quickly add up to a relatively hefty sum. However the quality of the food accurately reflects the amount that one forks out.

As a side note, the restaurant seemed to attract many Western diners (prob because the restaurant has earned itself a reputation through e.g. Wine n' Dine, etc).

Lunchtime on a Tuesday and we have the luxury of a leisurely lunch (i'm on leave, yay !)We decided to come here because a) we actually got seats and b) to try the lunchtime (read: cheaper) menu since it's my first time.

I've never been a fan of the 'waraku'-style of Jap-meets-West fast food. Give me real food please, none of that mass-produced , flat-tasting convenience food. When you step into Nanbantei, it gives off a really 'authentic' vibe, praps it's the presence of Japanese diners who look like they're frequent customers, praps it's the way the chef by the grilling counter goes about his business.
He has this way of sprinkling at the skewers (salt? seasoning?) that shows he must've been doing this for a long time. (Analogy for the local context: Like watching a veteran char-kway teow seller doing a little dance by the wok as he dishes out plate after plate of the sinful stuff!)

2 of us shared 2 bento sets

Yakitori set
Salmon sashimi set

The skewers are the star attraction, and they do not disappoint. Beautifully charred with the right intensity of smoky flavour. Tempura was also nice. Sashimi was not bad.
Serving size is more than enough to fill you up, so it's pretty gd value-for-money.

This place seats perhaps 30 at most. Likely to get crowded during dinner (not sure if they accept reservations). When we were done, it was past the lunch peak hour (about 1.30 pm?) but there were quite a few diners queueing outside.

I think a lot. To be precise I think of my next meal a lot.
I always make up silly plans prior to my meal time to eat at where and where and it's times like those that I will seldom divert from my preplanning.

Imagine my initial reluantance when my bestie suggested this well known dining place at Far East when I had been making plans for kimchi ramen. The tiny entrance kinda puts me off and I had always walked past this place without knowing its fame. (did't check HGW yet)
Well, since bestie wanna eat, I gotta oblige.

Were led to the bar counter by friendly wait staff and it was the first time I sat so close to watching my food being prepared! (hawker centre / food court self service don't count okies..) Instead of some small place, I started to feel that it was cosy instead.

I am always famished (blame it all on early corporate lunches!) and the easy on the eye menu is really tempting. Everything seemed to read/sound so good...

Ordered Negima, Shittake, Gyu Yaki, shishamo, grilled salmon, yasai tempura and asparagus maki.

Simply love the appetiser (veggie sticks) with miso paste.
Bestie put chilli powder into her taste and claimed it tasted better.
I'm not convinced and will stick to basic miso paste.

Negima = good (leek wasn't overpowering the taste of the chicken)Shittake = well, they were norm, you know.. nothing to shout about
Gyu yaki = reasonably well done and well seasoned
shishamo = crunchy little fishes yummy
grilled salmon = fresh! great!
yasai tempura = can't really remember much as it did not really stand out compared to its meaty counterparts
asparagus maki = MY LUV!!! I had assumed the asparagus would come covered with bacon but instead it came with a thin layer of lean pork. Grilled to crisp yet the greenie within it had retained its freshness and sweetness stilll...

I didn't regret the decision to dine here and definitely the sight of a few ethnic Japanese in their typical after work attire ( crisp white shirts with rolled up sleeves and jacket in hand) proved that this tiny place is definitely worth it!

(For more reviews and photos, please visit www.myfoodsirens.blogspot.com)

I was thrilled when my friend suggested Nanbantei for lunch as I had a wonderful meal here the last time I was here. Surprisingly, the place was not full even though it was Sunday. Perhaps it was still early as we were given counter seats since some of the tables were marked for reservation.

Having lunch here is definitely less hurting on the wallet as the set lunch menu is very reasonably priced. Even though I don't eat rice, I ordered the Salmon Shioyaki set ($10.40++) as it's better value for money than the ala carte menu. The grilled salmon was definitely the star: plump and juicy with crispy skin. Absolutely delicious! I polished off everything (pickles, tuna salad, miso soup and watermelon) but the bowl of rice was left completely untouched.

My companion had the signature Yakitori Obento ($12.50++) which was quite a feast for the eyes with 5 assorted yakitori. I tried the quail egg which had a smokey flavour and was very bouncy. The set came with a red bean paste dessert which was quite good as it was not cloyingly sweet. But I suppose this only appeals to beans-loving people like me as my friend didn't like it at all.

From the ala carte menu, we had the Pork with Leek ($5.70++). Since I don't eat meat, I only tried the leek which was charred and quite fragrant. I wanted to have the shishamo initially but being fickle minded, I had it changed to Unagi with Long Onions ($5.80++) at the last minute. This is my favourite! The grilled eel was so soft and smooth that it almost slid down the throat.

I wanted to have the shishamo initially but being fickle minded, I had it changed to Unagi with Long Onions ($5.80++) at the last minute. This is my favourite! The grilled eel was so soft and smooth that it almost slid down the throat.

It was fun sitting at the counter as we could get to see the chefs preparing and throwing a liberal amount of salt on the food while grilling. The squid seemed to be very popular and I think I will try that next time! For I will surely come back for another satisfying meal.

I just need to write a review for Nanbantei even though I frequent the place countless times.

Okay, some reviews says the yakitori can be too salty. Well, I agree but only you need to watch which chef is on duty. There's a plump guy with glasses, he ALWAYS gets to aggressive with the salt. Just tell him not to. I must emphasize, the master chef, the older gentleman always serve PERFECT yakitoris.

What I like especially is their Cha Soba, they serve it with quail egg. Not many restaurants serve it this way. Plus their soba is tangy. Ask them to chill it longer for you, it's more refreshing to have it ice cold on a hot sunny day.

Sometimes they have seasonal items like the Alaskan crabs or sweet corn cobs, totally delicious!

They are not known for their sashimi...but I tried it twice. First time, it was great, one of the freshest I've had in Singapore but second time, its not so fresh. The sashimi slices are served nice and thick.

Try their other grilled items like squid or cod fish! It is very very good. TRUST ME!

Cod fish: Flesh is tender and firm, usually boneless. The skin is thin and cripsy! Together with the sauce....YUMMY!!

Squid: I am never a squid lover, I only eat it here. Its tangy and chewy and juicy, not rubbery and dry. with a layer of crisped skin.

Both are not fishy at all.

Prices varies from $20 for a set lunch to $60 if you order fancy stuff like seasonal items.

Overall, it's my all time favourite Japanese restaurant.