“Cool” is the first thing that springs to mind about Tori No Su. When you walk into the reopened Japanese spot, you might feel like you should have dressed trendier, or at least put on something more colourful to match all of the patterned poodles and bulldogs around and glittering trees decking the tables. Every corner of the place is made for Instagram, and it’s evident from the moment you’re greeted by the graphic animal sculptures and mysterious white door with behemoth red handle at the entrance.
The funky vibes are only further enhanced with the cherry blossom tree at the entrance, pulsating beats and staff decked out in jeans and character T-shirts (remember what we said about dressing cooler?). But, this is not a place for one crew, or somewhere you’ll be sniffed at for wearing the wrong trainers. We get a warm welcome then are addressed by our first names throughout our meal.
You could call Tori No Su a lounge, a restaurant or a resto and bar, with its counter, sofa and tiny circular tables with the aforementioned dazzling trees topping them. It doesn’t really matter how you slice it, because the mass appeal is clear on our visit with everyone from families with younger kids, solo businesses diners at the bar and couples here to tuck into the fusion Japanese food.
Wagyu sando and grilled miso black cod are signatures, but there are plenty of options whether you have a hankering for ramen, maki, rice, sushi… Even pizza (with sashimi), risotto or burrata. Yes, the ubiquitous burrata is another popular dish and manages to stand out to us among the countless iterations we’ve eaten across the city.
The décor alone here would have most people sold, but it’s the staff who really elevate the place with their care, warmth and ensuring you’re looked after. They have it down to an art that rivals the neon works on the walls. Repeating orders to ensure they’re right, and asking when you’d like food brought out are little touches, but show an attention to detail, just like the mixing of fresh sea urchin and wagyu. We’re digging this edition of the reopened Tori No Su.
