Don & Tori for Sushi, Sashimi and Cocktails

Japanese cocktails and stellar sushimi at slick modern spot Don & Tori

Don & Tori has just popped up on Tras Street and it is quite a little gem of Japanese delights! Sit at the counter to watch sashimi chefs at work, or grab a pew at the bar for exciting crafted cocktails or a booth seat in the restaurant if you’re in a group.

Unlike many Japanese sashimi spots, Don & Tori don’t take themselves too seriously – music is modern and plays audibly in the background, cocktails are offered enthusiastically (though never fear, sakes are on the menu too). They do take their excellent quality sushi and sashimi seriously, though — more about that later. First, the cocktails!

Cocktails
Go for the Bold Fashioned ($23) if you like a little bit of smoky theatrics. I’ll say no more but it involves Japanese whiskey washed in Wagyu beef fat, cinnamon bitters and yuzu.

The cocktail list is fun and inventive, blending classics with Japanese ingredients and influences: a lighter drink is the Tori Tini ($23) of house-infused Chrysanthemum gin, lychee syrup and elderflower. All cocktails come with a little snack on the side, which his a fun way of adding an element of story as well as enhancing the drink.

Food
The mixed sashimi platter is a stunning way to start a meal. Choose from five pieces of seafood all the way up to 22 pieces ($33-$100) and the Chef will prepare these according to the catch of the day. It’s a treat to sit at the counter and admire the Chef’s knife skills. Ingredients are flown directly from Japan’s iconic Tsukiji Fish Market, three times a week, so the sashimi is super fresh and clean tasting not to mention beautifully plated!

Do not miss the maki. The must-try has to be the Unagi & Hotate Tempura Maki ($27), a naughty version of maki with tempura battered eel, scallop, crab and avocado. Traditionalists might like the Salmon Aburi Maki ($25) of seared salmon, mentaiko, avocado and mayo.

Other favourites include Sakura Ebi Angel Hair Pasta ($32) and the delicious umami-luxe bowl of Truffle Wagyu Foie Gras Don ($38). A comforting bowl of umami truffle, tender premium Wagyu, luxurious foie gras and a wobbly onsen egg that you pierce to create a delicious sauce that soaks into the perfect pearls of Japanese rice. Oishii! 

Don & Tori, 74 Tras Street, Tel: +65 9811 7888, www.facebook.com/donandtorisg