Minori & Camelot @ Royale Bintang Damansara

There's no lack of Japanese eateries in the Klang Valley, but it's always a pleasure to welcome another one that takes everything from its food to service very seriously.

Minori's menu is extensive, though this isn't the place to seek surprises; the restaurant focuses on familiar fare executed with flair, like a seafood-rich bowl of miso soup.

Soba with duck and mushrooms, well worth slurping up (we finished every spoonful).

Fried sakura shrimp, kakiage-style. All about crispness, with little of the greasiness.

Here comes the crab, pressed on sushi rice. Could be more flavorsome, but maybe we've become too accustomed to sushi rolls packed with a multitude of components.

More crab meat, creamier this time, cooked up in cheesy croquettes. Hot cuisine, not haute.

Big bottles of sake often result in massive hangovers (though thankfully, not tonight).

Minori is located in the Royale Bintang Damansara Hotel, which is also home to Camelot, a tastefully furnished pub that's worth stopping by.

Nibble on finger food near a faux fireplace or recline in a section called Lady Guinevere's Lounge.

At RM35+ a glass, Camelot's wine should be served in a Holy Grail. Tastes nice at any rate.

Minori Japanese Restaurant and The Camelot Pub,
Royale Bintang Damansara Hotel, PJU 7/2, Petaling Jaya.