PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAJapanese people and westerners that appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine know and love Donto Sapporo. Those who are yet to experience the genuine article are in for a cultural experience and a culinary treat. The restaurant is in the heart of the tourist strip just five minutes drive from Surfers Paradise and within easy walking distance of Jupiters Casino. Donto Sapporo opened when Japanese visitors began flocking to the Gold Coast. The experience reflects the style of top restaurants in Tokyo, with expert chefs creating the most amazing dishes for the extensive a la carte and set menus.
People who aren’t familiar with Japanese cuisine and culture will probably enjoy the set menus best but there are other ways to dine. The menu includes sushi, sashimi, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, teriyaki, tempura, ramen, udon and soba noodles. Lobster, abalone and other varieties of seafood swim in a huge tank so diners can choose the creature that looks the most appetising. The two-storey restaurant has a Korean-style barbecue stone grill on the second floor. It’s a great concept, where diners cook their own food in the western-style set up, but those who prefer to stay true to the Japanese theme can sit at one of the tatami tables. The restaurant features a sushi bar, tempura counter and a licensed bar and there are three private rooms and two tatami rooms for corporate functions and special occasions. Dining at Donto Sapporo turns an ordinary occasion into an exciting experience and also really adds a buzz to parties and other special events.
Catherine Taylor, May 2008
