It's the end of an era on Starhill's Relish Floor, as Kaihomaru replaces Gonbei San as this mall's main upmarket Japanese restaurant.
The name should sound familiar; this is run by the folks behind Federal Hotel's Kaihomaru. They'll be closing that outlet soon & focusing on this Starhill spin-off.
Kaihomaru's sashimi platter (RM168++) looks like a real brochure of oceanic pleasures.
Everything's reputedly flown in from Japan; the highlight's the sea urchin, more mellow in flavor & creamier than expected.
Tuna fans, check out this bowl of rice topped with a triumphant triumvirate of 'akami' red meat, 'chutoro' medium-fatty flesh & 'otoro' succulent-sweet belly. RM98++.
Mentaiko (RM28++), not fried but left beautifully soft & supple, spicy & savory.
Well-presented flatfish karaage (RM18++). Tender battered flesh & bones crisp enough to chew.
The sole, surprising letdown: Anago tempura (RM29++), conger eel that shouldn't taste so bland.
Complimentary creme caramel for dessert.
Liquor abounds here, from shochu to shochu cocktails, sake to umeshu.
Kaihomaru is open for lunch & dinner daily, with last orders at around 930pm.
Kaihomaru,
Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.