The first thing you'll notice about Hajime is it's very small--only twelve seats, arranged like a bar around two tempura frying stoves, although most of the kitchen is behind this area. It's advisable to make a reservation, particularly if going in a group.
It's pretty upmarket, and the prices are accordingly quite high. The lunch menu is mostly in the $24-30 range, going from unajyu (grilled eel, $24) right up to the sushi & sashimi combination at $36. Servings are large and satisfying, and served in elaborate and visually appealing ways. The bento "lunch box" (it's more of a platter!) is delightfully diverse, with a bit of everything.
The dinner banquets start at $75 for the tempura set, comprising kobachi, sashimi, salad, tempura and kakiagedon. The other option is the tempura & sushi set, with the main dish being fish and wagyu beef sushi--and this ranges from $85 to $92 depending on the number of tempura pieces.
A bit out of my usual price range, but great traditional Japanese food for a special occasion in a cosy, intimate and quiet venue. read more