Location: 1111 – 3779 Sexsmith Road, Richmond, BC (Continental Mall)
Phone: (604) 214-7722 | Hours: 12:00PM – 10:30PM 7 days a week (except CLOSED Tuesday)
Website: http://www.yuutapas.com/
Yuu Japanese Tapas
Yuu Japanese Tapas
This Japanese Tapas is next to the all famous Deer Garden Signature inside Continental mall in Richmond. So what is Tapas? Well, the term “Tapas” originated from Spain (believe it or not). It’s a word they use to describe appy’s or snacks, so basically small dishes, usually found in drinking establishments. However, it grew in popularity to become a Cuisine. However, the food portions I see here does not reflect its restaurant name “Tapas”.
Our Table
My girlfriend and I visited this place with the recommendation of her sister. Originally, we wanted Japanese Sushi and rolls at our favourite Charcoal Sushi, but they had no tables for us during prime dinner time. So, we decided to give this place a try.
Our Table
I remembered that night was pretty cold and we were seated right next to the door. The restaurant wasn’t very big, maybe 2 dozens of small tables. And space was cramped. We shifted ourselves to the next table since it was empty and further away from the door. When I checked in on Foursquare, I browsed through the comments and most of the raves were for the desserts here. It didn’t take long till I realize this place were more known for their desserts than its mains. But nonetheless, we were here and might as well try out their dinner menu.
Tonkatsu (thick pork soup) hot pot with mushroom and mixed vegetables
Originally, I was settled for the ramen till I dropped my eyes on this page. It was cold, so I decided to give their hot pot a try. I didn’t expect to have that much pork bones in my soup, which was plenty to go around for 2. There were a lot of ingredients in the soup, however, I don’t think it lived up to its name to be called thick pork soup. First, it wasn’t thick at all. Second, it didn’t have that soup feeling to it. It tasted more like the Chinese soup base after finishing hot pot. Nonetheless, the flavours were pretty good.
Rice and Sides
Well, the hot pot came with a bowl of rice and sides. Nothing special here.
Teriyaki hamburger patty with deep fried prawns
My girlfriend had the teriyaki hamburger patty with deep fried prawns served with carrots, broccoli, and fries. The hamburger patty was quite juicy, but was it worth the price for just minced beef (maybe not). The seasonal vegetables tasted extremely flavourful on the hot platter, as well, mixed with the teriyaki sauce. My only complain would be … more sauce! I wasn’t sure if the sauce got all soaked up on the hot plate, but it would’ve been better if there was more sauce. The sauce was excellent. The battered deep fried prawns were very crispy and the fries were not too bad.
Overall, I think Yuu has would have been much better without Tapas. But, their food was quite flavourful but I didn’t feel much of a Izakaya (Japanese Tapas) feeling to it. It felt like a Japanese wannabe restaurant, which felt mostly Asian. I haven’t tried its dessert, so I’m not so sure if this place is indeed more a dessert place. The service was mediocre, I don’t remember much about service, if I had any at all. The ambiance was mediocre, it seemed more like an Asian cafe than a Japanese Tapas restaurant. It was bright inside though, which I like, so I know what I’m actually eating. I would say this place closes pretty early for a Richmond restaurant.
