Inakaya @ Sky Dining 101, Hong Kong

Inakaya is a Japanese restaurant in the Sky Dining 101 complex of the International Commerce Centre. Located above the Kowloon Station on the Airport Express Line, International Commerce Centre, locally known as ICC, is the tallest building in Hong Kong. Sky Dining 101 on the 101st Floor of ICC houses Inakaya and 2 other restaurants, all with breathtaking views. Having a meal at the well-appointed chic Inakaya with its extensive menu is, both literally and figuratively, a top of the world experience.

The same host who invited the Ordinary Patrons for lunch at Kiangsu Chekiang and Shanghai Residents (HK) Association Restaurant took us out for dinner at Inakaya. The restaurant is accessible by walking through a luxurious shopping mall and taking an escalator to an expansive concourse with banks of lifts to Sky 100 (a 360 degree viewing gallery) and Sky Dining 101. The lifts at the end of a long swanky corridor took us directly to the entrance of Inakaya on the 101st Floor.

The passageway from the lobby of the dimly lit restaurant was lined with an arresting array of sake barrels and led to a bar with a mirror that reflected a spectacular view of the city. The Zen-inspired modern interior uses lots of wood creating an opulent yet comfortable ambience. The main dining hall includes a teppanyaki grill and sushi bar. There is a separate robatayaki area. We were seated at a table next to the window in the main dining area with a great view of Hong Kong Island.

We had the Inakaya Kaiseki Course for dinner which consists of Appetizer, Sashimi, Sushi, Clear Soup, Grilled Dish, Tempura, Teppanyaki, Udon Noodles with Vegetables, Fruit and Dessert.

Each dish was exquisitely presented. The sashimi and sushi were skillfully prepared with top quality and fresh ingredients. The taste was simply delightful. The soup in a teapot was a clear simple broth that was more than pleasantly palatable. With the cover of the pot removed, delicious hidden treasures were revealed.

The grilled fish was very well cooked to yield a firm yet moist and succulent flesh. The platter of crunchy tempura pieces offered a wonderful mix of textures and was a most enjoyable dish.

The teppanyaki dish comprised slices of beef cooked to perfection and pieces of crunchy fried garlic. The sweetness of the soft tender beef could be discerned with each bite. The crunchy garlic offered a contrasting texture and the combination of the beef and garlic created an interesting and complex delectable flavour.

By the time the udon was served we were stuffed and the noodles in clear broth did not raise any enthusiasm. However, the ice cream and fruit platter, with the nectarous melon, provided the perfect sweet ending to a superb meal.

The service at Inakaya was fuss-free and professional. The staff was polite, efficient and always on hand when needed.

“Prices are not for the faint of heart” says the Hong Kong Tatler of Inakaya. That should give an indication of the premium pricing at the luxurious restaurant located high up in ICC Hong Kong. The Ordinary Patrons would rarely venture into such rarefied strata of fine dining; and probably would not have gone anywhere near Sky Dining 101 if not for our extravagantly generous host in Hong Kong. The dinner at Inakaya was one of the best meals we have had. Each of the courses was cooked perfectly and beautifully presented. It was a real treat. An evening of expertly prepared meal with the freshest of ingredients and visually pleasing plating, in a glamourous sophisticated setting with breathtaking views and great company – it was indeed a top of the world experience.

Ratings:
Food : 5
Service: 4
Value : NA
Atmosphere: 5
Overall Rating: 5 TOPS     

Inakaya
Shop A, 101/F, International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road West
Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tel : +852 2972 2666

The Ordinary Patrons
a Singapore food blog by ordinary people looking for places to eat