Japan City, Top Ryde

After spending a lot of time indoors during covid while pregnant and navigating the first few months of mothering a newborn. I decided to venture out for the first time for a meal out at Japan City at Top Ryde. 

Japan City is hidden above Coles and is part shop and part restaurant. It seems relatively busy when I walk past. There’s limited Japanese restaurants at Top Ryde. There’s a few small sushi venues in the food court and a sushi train outside which I wasn’t a fan of so I am hoping this will be a good experience. There can be a line outside in peak lunch times on the weekend.

Mr Weekend Food Escapes orders this Hokkaido float (I think this was $8) which looks very pretty. There’s a scoop of icey Black Sesame ice cream, whipped cream, wafer and red bean hiding in the milky liquid. It's a nice drink and I enjoy the toppings however be aware it's mostly milk. He also orders the chicken kaarage bento box ($24). The Bento has the chicken kaarage on a bed of rice, sashimi, soba noodles, dim sims and a small salad.  The food is adequate/good and meets Mr Weekend Food Escapes expectations however he comments that he prefers Moeru and Tatsuya in West Ryde. 

I decide to order the Beef Sukiyaki Udon ($16) at Japan City. I request some chilli flakes to add to the broth. The broth is quite flavoursome and I find it enjoyable to slurp up the udon noodles. The beef pieces were a little more tough in texture than I anticipated but still enjoyable to eat. There a thinly cut pieces of raw onion in the udon which was a bit different for me.

Summary: Overall, I would say Japan City at Top Ryde was a good experience however if you are willing to drive down the road, I prefer Moeru and Tatsuya in West Ryde. Mr Weekend Food Escapes thought the bento box was fine but would not order it again. I liked the beef sukiyaki udon. There aren't as many options for Japanese in Top Ryde which makes this venue popular, get there early on the weekend to avoid a queue.

Price: Mains vary from $16-25

Location: Above coles, level 2, top ryde city shopping centre, corner of Devlin St and Blaxland rd, Ryde

Opening Hours: 

Sunday, Monday to Wednesday 11am to 3pm

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm