What happens when two foodies, who have neither an inkling nor love for Japanese cuisine, head to a new restaurant that specialises in it? They might make a pact that if they don’t like anything, they would head to the nearest fast food joint to satiate their appetite. This was exactly the case with us when we headed to Saizen, a fine-dining Japanese restaurant in Colaba.

Avocado Dragon Roll (Rs 680) is plated like a caterpillar. Pics/Nikesh Gurav

We were spellbound by the chic interiors. Copper latticework columns, Italian chandeliers, leather and suede sofas with chrome and wood tables lent an opulent feel to the place, made up in hues of beige. The birdcage table at one corner was quirky, ideal for a big group looking for an intimate space. Owners Radhika and Archana Aggarwal showed us the lounge, which can accommodate around 40 people. Once we settled in, we ordered for a Green Apple Cooler (Rs 300) and a Neuralizer (Rs 500). The former was fresh and rejuvenating and had the flavour of green apple, apple juice, lime juice and mint in equal measure. The Neuralizer was spunky and citrusy, thanks to the dash of orange juice added to the sparkling wine and campari.