The buzz: This is modern Japanese fare with a bold, futuristic gimmick. Instead of human waiters, Hajime has a human-like robot taking over serving duties. And that’s not all: even the menu is computer-based, meaning the diners can order directly from the touch-screen device attached to every single table. When there is no order lining the cue, the robot stars as the eatery’s entertainer, dancing to Asian pop music.
The décor: With grayish dark brown and some yellowish white tones, the place feels both and Japanese. In the center of the space, a glass-covered aisle is where the robot goes back and forth between the kitchen and the tables to serve the dishes.
The food: Although the robot might be where the spotlight shines, another enticement is a 145-minute buffet, featuring sukiyaki and shabu. With a wide selection of meats like wagyu, pork sirloin, rib eye, brisket beef, bottom beef and lamb chop, you can choose between a first-class buffet set, or a business-class buffet set. Kurobuta, salmon, seashells and shrimp are also available, but limited to the first class offer only. On top of that, the buffet includes a vegetable set, choices of rice, yasai itame (sautéed assorted vegetables), standard sushi, and maki rolls. There is a BBQ (non-buffet) menu available upon request.
The drinks: The buffet offers unlimited drinks like green tea, iced lemon tea or iced Nescafe, but if you prefer something fancier, try the green tea or vanilla smoothies. There is also a selection of cold and hot sakes like Ginjo Nama or Daiginjyo. For beer, the classic Asahi is available.
The crowd: Groups of colleagues dining after work. And since there is a big fancy robot in the house,you’ll see plenty of families with children on a weekend outing.
Corkage B300.
