Tempura Paradise: Put on your Sunday best before heading over to this posh address. Shikigiku — formerly Inagiku Grande — in IFC Mall, right down the hall from the Four Seasons, serves classy Japanese cuisine in an even classier environment.

 Look & Feel: The zen atmosphere takes on a golden glow, with brown and amber interiors, contemporary and Edo-style Japanese artwork and floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria Harbour. Entering the restaurant takes you through IFC’s tranquil garden areas, which are surrounded by eye-catching skyscrapers on all sides. Entering the restaurant takes you through IFC’s tranquil garden areas, which are surrounded by eye-catching skyscrapers on all sides. By night, the spacious restaurant transforms into a moody, ambient venue thanks to the dim lighting and neon lights shining in from the windows. There are also four private dining rooms that accommodate up to 50 people around their teppanyaki counters, as well as a wine bar area and food bar counters for demonstrations.

On the Menu: Shikigiku is most famous for its lightly battered, crispy and fresh tempura. Served to-order and piping hot with sea salt, it’s certainly not to be missed. If you are there to splurge, you’ll also want to try one of the elaborate kaiseki set menus which vary according to season. The fresh sushi and sashimi are also a highlight, with the bright pink toro stealing the show.

Meet the Chef: The menu here borrows from the techniques of executive chef Imai Masakazu, who helms the kitchen at the original branch in Japan. However, executive chef Masayuki Goto runs the show, specializing in elegant kaiseki set menus and delicate tempura.

Jeng: Is there anything this restaurant can’t make into tempura? During our dinner, we noshed on Hokkaido cheese, Wagyu steak, an array of seafood and vegetables, and even ice cream. The sashimi and appetizer platters to start — featuring red tuna, flounder, uni and Hokkaido cod fish roe — were fresh, light and delicious.

Not So Jeng: We love the food and the views, but some of the sashimi costs over $200 per piece. Yes, you read that right. Your dollar does not go too far here.

Great For: Date nights and power lunches.

FYI: Grab a seat at the open kitchen’s counter to watch the chefs fry up your tempura right in front of you.

This writeup was based on a complimentary media tasting. The Loop HK doesn’t guarantee/sell restaurant review coverage. See our editorial policy here.

[Updated Feb 2019]