Review of Imada Restaurant, Aarau, Switzerland

UPDATE: out of business in August 2022

Top quality Japanese food in modernist setting:

Ambiance

Food concept

Unlike many other Japanese restaurants in Switzerland Imada also serves other dishes than sushi. In fact, there is quite an extensive menu with all sort of Japanese dishes. As I do not have – as already mentioned – a profound knowledge of the Japanese cuisine, I cannot express an informed judgment. But I have tried various items of the menu and so far I liked it all. And as said, the owner is more than ready to give you more information.

Amuse-Bouche: Edamame

There is an a la carte menu and a fixed menu with tempura, sushi or beef as a main. In addition there is also a menu “Sukiyaki” or “Shabu-Shabu”. The main course consists of thinly cut beef cooked on the table and accompanied by several side dishes. I have not tasted the latter yet nor will I do it in future because it is a smelly affair. I personally consider it somewhat of a nuisance, I do not like when other guests take this choice because I do not want myself and my clothes to smell like meat cooked in broth.

Starter: Hosomaki Sushi

Sampled food

We normally have some sushi as starter, a hot main afterward, followed by a dessert. Last time, we opted for the fixed menu, starting with an amuse bouche and then some edamame. As a starter we had hosomaki sushi and as main we chose tempura moriawase. When it came to desserts, my hushand had green tea ice cream with sweet azuki beans and I ordered green tea tiramisu. As always, all the food was not only nicely arranged, but also tasted great.

Main: Tempura Moriawase

Staff/Price

I already mentioned the owner of the restaurant who is friendly and helpful everytime we go there. There are other members of her family – at least I assume it – who work at Imada and who are likewise amiable and attentive. Normally, service is efficient. Once, the restaurant was very busy and we had to wait quite long to get served, but this really is not usually the case.

Dessert: Green Tea Ice Cream with Sweet Azuki Beans

Value for money is good. Portions are not big, but sufficient. First-class ingredients are used and this does not come cheap. I think that the price level is adequate.

Dessert: Green Tea Tiramisu

Overall, this gem of a restaurant is a valuable addition to Aarau’s restaurant scene, which is unfortunately not that vibrant, especially regarding spots for fine dining.

Date of visit: June 2016