Shochiku Japanese Restaurant

Economical, quick to serve and quick to eat in a ramen-ya (ramen restaurants), the famous noodles are a bit like fast food in Japan. They are found on every street corner and the specialized signs are often very friendly, open until late. They are the meeting place for revelers who do not fail to go and taste a last bowl of ramen before returning home. The Japanese can eat it at any time, and often with lots of slurping - the aim being to swallow the broth at the same time as the noodles to enjoy the dish in its entirety.

For nearly 30 years I’ve wandered past the “Sharaku” sign leading into an old fashioned, innocuous Queen Street arcade. Finally my sister, friends and I ventured in to enjoy the BEST Japanese food I’ve had in NZ. It looks as if the decor is the same as the day it opened but I knew we were in the right place when we sat next to visiting Japanese businessmen eating up a storm. The service is charming, dignified and warm and the food! Man, the food. Everything is delicious and you don’t feel as if you’ve eaten a building afterwards. Go into the arcade and be transported to Sharaku.

Great find just off Queen Street. Food was great and very tasty. Nice atmosphere and very friendly staff. Most of the dishes are box styled and there is plenty to choose from. Having only been here once the time for food to arrive was longer than expected but could have been a one off as it was pretty packed when we arrived. I'd totally return here.