N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar Malta: Japanese Izakaya in Valletta
Japanese Izakaya · Valletta, Malta
Our Review of N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar, Valletta
Food at N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar: 14/20
I have been heard to complain that Malta is a country with a thousand Japanese restaurants and ...only one decent Chinese. This is perhaps not surprising given the surfeit of fabulous fish here, particularly Tuna. Heck, the best Tokyo restaurants have been known to import it form here. But Izakayas (the traditional Japanese gastro pub) are thin on the ground. So three cheers for N Bistro. The name is an amalgam of three Japanese characters. 居 (i): To sit down酒 (saka): Sake 屋 (ya): Shop/house. In Japan, Izakayas tend to be small outfits with good cooking from hubby in the kitchen, while the wife serves out front. This is a slightly more prosperous version here, but the food is just as good. And it is reasonably priced, though our bill came to more than we expected, no doubt due to all the sake (see below). There is sushi, of course, and there are some staples, but do make sure to look at the blackboard for the daily specials – we were lucky enough to get the Okonomiyaki (a savory cabbage and flour pancake) made with squid, and a wonderful assortment of tempura (deep fried vegetables and prawns). Perfectly done, though be aware there is a lot of fried food in Izakayas so tread carefully. Among the staples, we particularly liked the simple Miso soup at €4, the freshly made pork gyoza at €8, and the slow cooked pork belly at €8.50. Avoid the curries unless you like them “in your face.” There are Japanese ice creams for afters including Black Sesame at €4.50 and Matcha at €5.
Atmosphere at N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar: 6/10
Plush and comfortable are not two words I associate with most Japanese restaurants, let alone Izakayas. The feel is of a student cafe with plain wooden tables and benches, and somewhat stark walls. This is not a place to bring a fat cat client or a grand dame. Being Valletta, the crowd is largely tourists, though pleasingly that includes Japanese ones which is a good sign. The noise level is good. Cooking is done “off stage” downstairs, unlike many Izakayas where you watch your food being prepared, but that does avoid the smell of frying penetrating the coiffures of any grand dames who have wandered in by mistake.
Service at N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar: 8/10
The staff are Japanese which helps when trying to understand some of the dishes, and, as you would expect, they are very polite and service oriented. The small space also helps to ensure that your glass is never empty, nor any wish not fulfilled. There are no cocktails (I was offered a bottle of gin and a straw), and only rather basic wines. Here it is of course all about Sake and there is a wide selection and some daily specials. We tried more than one, and I would advise you to do the same.
Cuisine
Japanese Izakaya
Price Level
€€
Ratings
N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar serve?
N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar is a Japanese Izakaya restaurant in Valletta, Malta.
How expensive is N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar?
N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar is rated €€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar in Malta?
N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar is located in Valletta, Malta at 92 Strait St, Valletta.
Is N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar worth visiting?
N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar scored 28/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (14/20), atmosphere (6/10) and service (8/10).