So Thai Me Up, one of our fave BYO spots is no more, but something even better moved in. The space on Ponsonby Road has been transformed into an elegant restaurant called Namo, which is already serving some of the best Japanese in town.
At the helm is chef Takashi Shitamoto, a man who has been immersed in the world of Japanese cuisine since he was a boy. From mastering the basics at his father’s restaurant in Japan to working at Nobu in Tokyo (yep, that famous restaurant co-owned by Robert De Niro), one trip to Namo is all it takes to realise that his guy knows his stuff.
Walk into the restaurant and you’re exposed to a light, open space with wooden fittings, a sushi bar, and immaculately set tables. The real treat, however, is the food. Namo elevates Japanese cuisine by using fresh ingredients and approaching them with a unique spin in mind.
We’re talking Crispy Surf and Turf a.k.a prawn and pork patties in pastry, Melting Moment Salmon Nigiri, Daikon Fettuccine Salad with no fettuccine to be found, and Chanpom—famous Kyushu noodle soup. Each and every dish boasts a beautiful, delicate presentation and tastes just as good as it sounds.
It’s high time Ponsonby had its very own swanky Japanese restaurant, and Namo ticks all the boxes.
For more details, including Namo's opening hours click here.
Image credit: Namo