After living in Japan for years, I am always on the lookout for good Japanese restaurants in Ireland that I can recommend – and where I get my own fix of my favourite dishes! One of my recent discoveries is Fujiyama in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
Fujiyama’s Newbridge outlet is a sister restaurant to the popular Fujiyama on O’Connell Street, in the heart of Dublin city.
Located nearby to our home, I’ve visited Fujiyama’s Kildare branch several times with my family, most often at the weekend. In this review, I’ll share what to order, my insight into customer service, and all the other details you need to know before booking.
What to Order:
Fujiyama’s menus includes all the most popular Japanese dishes. They pride themselves on using high quality fresh ingredients and no MSG – which can be popular ingredient in Asian restaurant kitchens.
On the menu you’ll find all your favourites; gyoza, tempura, Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowls), Ramen (Japanese Noodle Soup), Yakisoba (Wok-fried noodles), Katsum, Cha Han (fried rice dishes), and lots more.
The quality and range of their sushi and sashimi menus are particularly impressive. I usually order a sushi platter (Moriawase). You can choose between a small and large platter option. Both come with a mix of nigiri, sashimi, norimaki and temaki, as well as a sunomono salad. It’s perfect if you want to try a little bit of everything, and great for sharing.
The presentation is always impeccable too, with hand carvings made from vegetables as a centre display and dry ice which always adds to the wow factor.
At least one of us typically orders a Bento box from the selection available. Bento boxes are well-balanced Japanese meal boxes that vary in contents but usually contain a carb (usually it is rice), protein (usually meat or fish), and an assortment of pickled or cooked vegetables. You’ll often find miso soup and chopped fruit, as a dessert, also included.
On the lunch menu at Fujiyama, there’s always a Bento Special priced at only €9.90 which comes with a delicious variety of food and is really filling.
Kids Menu:
The Kodomo Bento (Children’s meal box) is also just €9.50, on both the lunch and dinner menu. It includes a mix of traditional Japanese (Ebi furai, cucumber maki) and non-traditional items (sausages, chips and chicken nuggets) to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.
The Bento Box is one of our kids’ favourite options, and in general, there’s plenty to choose from on the menu for younger diners. Dishes like Katsu Curry and Teriyaki might be more familiar flavours for them if they aren’t too keen on sushi.
Customer Service:
To complement the amazing food is the equally amazing service. We’ve been welcomed warmly on each visit and the customer service is consistently attentive and accommodating. Such consistency is all the more impressive in a Covid-19 environment when the industry is under a lot of pressure.
Restaurant Details:
Fujiyama is open 7 days weekly, from 12.30 pm to 10 pm. The restaurant also offers a takeaway service. You can place an online order directly with the restaurant by clicking here.
Website: www.fujiyamarestaurant.ie
Address: Unit 57-59 The Avenue Whitewater Shopping Center, Newbridge Co. Kildare
Email: newbridgefujiyama@gmail.com
