Restaurant review: Buta Kuna

Buta Kun is a super accesable Japanese restaurant that has just opened up next to Newcastle university, across from Haymarket Metro station. The inside had a range of spacious tables and a large bar with no shortage of Sake behind it.

Their menu is full of authentic Japanese dishes, many including seasonal ingredients which gave it a very Japanese feel. Not only did they have a large sushi and sashimi menu, but also cooked meats, ramen and really any food you might be missing from your old Izakaya. Here you can see beautiful and sweet Inari Sushi, cooked with authentic ingredients. 

The Gyoza were a crowd-pleaser, as always. I had the option to order steamed or fried. The fried Gyoza were delightfully crisp and had just the right ratio of filling.

Karaage are a safe bet for anyone who might be trepidatious about Japanese food. This fried chicken stood far apart from the usual stuff you would find your average English takeaway, clearly having been cooked with panko and thigh meat just as you would have it in Japan.

The main meal was delicous, if a little bit misshapen. Katsudon is one of my personal favourites. The batter was very crisp, and not too heavy. The juices of the tender meat soaked into the bed of rice making it a satasfying second half of the meal. I was surprised to find bamboo shoots in my meal, but this just reminded me of more rural restaurants that I went to that would include these in everything after harvest. It was a delicous and nostaligic meal. 

With polite staff and high quality food, Buta Kun is a must-visit for anyone in the centre of Newcastle 

Cost: £20-£35 per head. 

Locations: 105-115 Percy St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RY
Website: https://www.butakun.co.uk/