It is the first of many signs that eating at this North Adelaide gem is about much more than the food. The bubbly, convivial atmosphere is emphasised by the exceptional staff, who are only too happy to guide you through the menu, explaining the different grilled meats and veg (no sushi or sashimi to be found here), as well as the izakaya concept – essentially a place to gather with friends for drinks and tapas-style sharing plates.

Start with a bowl of edamame as you peruse the menu and order one of the many Japanese beers on offer – or perhaps some sake, served cold or warmed like mulled wine. Skewers come in plates of three. Watch on as your selections are expertly cooked on the grill, from chicken mince and ginger meatballs, to the buta-bara (grilled pork belly, perfectly salted) or some vibrant just-seared broccolini, served with a house-made sweet soy reduction.

Wagyu skewers come with just a sprinkling of salt – the beef so beautifully marbled and so tender it needs nothing else. Regulars suggest the kuro goma ice to finish – a black sesame ice cream that has a nutty sweetness reminiscent of hazelnuts.

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