Iori Japanese Restaurant

Posted by: Savoureux | 5 January 2010, 8.01pm

I lived in Japan for many years and I'm delighted to have such a good Japanese restaurant in Canberra. The quality of the sushi/sashimi is excellent. If you are brave, try the sea urchin - delicious. The staff have always been good and polite.
My only complaint is that it is hard to get a table on Friday nights!!

Food:			Visit: Fri 20 November 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: littlebirdy | 12 August 2009, 12.55pm

The atmosphere of Iori is nice, classy even. The mood is set instantly, until the waitress glares you down and orders you to sit. The service was not welcoming from the moment we entered. The food was hit and miss. The "wagyu beef" tasted and looked like your standard aussie rump and i was dissappointed with the kurobuta- why would you deep fry such a delicate meat??? I found the sushi rice to be dry, and when questioned the waitress said it had been made to order however after eating it I would have to disagree. The waitress didn't seem to know the menu at all and struggled to explain what dishes were and wouldn't recommend anything. The agedashi nasu (deep fry eggplant with soy sauce) was average, although stingy in portion size. I think I will be taking my money elsewhere next time for real food and service that is worthy of a $$$ rating.

Food:			Visit: Sat 1 August 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Irish diner | 29 July 2009, 11.07am

I've been assured by a friend that Iori serves very traditional Japanese dishes. On that basis, I first came here a while ago and ate some awesome food that I'd not heard of before.
I found the serves to be quite large and really tasty. It's not too expensive, but it's not that cheap either.
I've returned since and am always treated to great food, but sometimes that service can be lacking - friendly none the less though.
Allow yourself to take your time and take your apetite too.

Food:			Visit: Wed 24 June 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: l'oiseau | 30 June 2009, 11.51am

Food is great. The only annoying aspect is the need to require guests to pre-order their meals when the group is large (e.g. 8-10 people). Perhaps the kitchen could be better organized to cope with larger groups, instead of enforcing the guest to comply with unnecessary rules. The rigid "house rules" result in waiters who appear offensive and rude.

Food:			Visit: Tue 2 June 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: PaulineW | 23 October 2008, 11.36am

I visited Iori yesterday for dinner by a friend's recommendation, and have no regrets it's very good! The Japanese experience starts as soon as you enter the unpretentious entrance, it is SO authentic you almost feel like you're in Japan! My appetite was built up from the moment I walked into this cosy little restaurant. As soon as we stepped in, all tables had a 'Reserved' sign, but we were let in without a reservation (we were early, lucky us!). The sashimi and sushi platter was really good. will be back for more.

Food:			Visit: Thu 23 October 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: PlaK0t | 13 June 2008, 6.56pm

I didn't expect to be treated to so many delights when I stopped in here for lunch. To start with, after entering, I felt like being in a traditional Japenese restaurant going by the various films I've seen. The chatter of so many people enjoying themselves gives a great buzz to the place. I haven't had sushimi in so long and what we had was fantastic. When I work up a bigger apetite, I'll be back for sure.

Food:			Visit: Wed 14 May 2008 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: Ben Davis | 14 April 2008, 1.52pm

I have been to so many Japanese restaurants around the world that I've lost count. But we love Iori in Canberra because the food is so good we tell our friends to travel to Canberra just for the Iori experience. The lunch boxes are excellent and a real treat when I go into the office.

Dinner is excellent. We go about once per fortnight and love the teriyaki wagyu beef and teriyaki salmon. The sushi and sashimi platter for one or two is very fresh. Nowhere in Canberra serves better seafood than Iori.

The non-fancy entrance and wonderful service by the waiters makes Iori THE place in Australia to visit if you love Japanese like we do.

Book in advance because I have heard they can book out on some nights. So book early to avoid disappointment!

Food:			Visit: Tue 18 March 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: JenEl | 19 December 2007, 12.04pm

I'm devastated that I have only just recently discovered Iori. For years and years I have gone past and have never ventured in. My first time there with a friend a couple of months ago, we were enjoying ourselves so much we almost missed the concert we were heading off to afterwards. I've never been that obsessed with sashimi, but the sashimi is so fresh it s a must at Iori. Also, the soft shell crab and sushi rolls are the bomb. I love the atmosphere of the place, you feel like you re in an underground Tokyo restaurant, it s very authentic. A definite favourite.

Food:			Visit: Wed 19 December 2007
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Posted by: mistertim | 18 December 2007, 10.46am

I've been to Iori so many times I've lost count - although I don't think I've ever been more than three times in a week.

Iori is small and unpretentious and the service, while prompt, is not overly great - but the food is wonderful and the owner/chef is really lovely.

Bento boxes at lunch are a real bargain. The dinner menu is a bit more expensive, but the food at dinner is even better than at lunch.

Having been to excellent, top-notch Japanese restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne - the food at Iori compares very favourably, and in fact is generally equally good.

Food:			Visit: Tue 18 December 2007
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Posted by: rodeo_chick27 | 7 September 2006, 7.52pm

Along side Wasabi in Dickson, this is the best place for Japanese. The sushi is all divine and fresh, and the mains are just as good - I highly recomend the grilled eel. It can be rather pricey but well worth it!

Food:			Visit: Thu 7 September 2006
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Posted by: lovebird01 | 28 April 2006, 3.59pm

Iori does consistently great food, which is excellent value for money as well. Their sushi is particularly good with wonderful fresh flavours - try the Tasmania Roll which comes with a generous side dish of fresh salmon caviar - delicious!
The only drawback with Iori is the rather exorbitant corkage price - $9 per bottle. You'd want to be bringing your own superlative bottle of wine for that price, or else play it safe and choose from the wine list which has a reasonable range.

Food:			Visit: Fri 28 April 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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