Tenmasa in the Altira Macau offers a truly zen dining experience, beginning with a lovely corridor with stone steps that leads to the dining area. The polished wood floors, rice paper sliding doors and peaceful ambience will transport guests to Japan and provide the setting for a truly relaxing and refined meal. Diners can opt for the sushi bar, which is a smoking area, or the tempura bar, which is a non-smoking area. Almost every seat in the restaurant offers spectacular views of the Macau peninsula.

Tempura is the star attraction at Tenmasa, although an extensive sushi and sashimi menu and other hot dishes are also on offer. Start with the ohinkou, a selection of Japanese pickles, to whet the appetite. Chawanmushi, savory steamed egg custard, also makes an excellent starter. For a luxurious splurge, order any of the Japanese A-5 Oomi wagyu beef dishes. The wagyu tataki, thin slices of beef broiled to medium rare and topped with fried garlic on a bed of paper-thin sweet onions, is melt-in-your-mouth tender, although the soy sauce topping is a bit overwhelming. Order a selection of tempura for the main course – classic choices include prawn, sweet potato, pumpkin and kakiage, a deep fried fritter made of various ingredients. Uni lovers should not miss the sea urchin tempura wrapped in dried seaweed. A selection of dipping sauces is provided, and the tempura chef will advise which sauce is best for each dish. End the meal with ochazuke, steamed rice in a tea infused fish stock with your choice of topping, or a bowl of steaming udon. A variety of set menus is also offered.

An excellent sake menu is on offer and the waitstaff can recommend sakes based on individual preference. An extensive wine menu is also available and includes an impressive selection of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, perfect to celebrate a night of big wins.

The waitresses, dressed in beautiful kimonos, are attentive and helpful but tempura service can be slow as there is usually only one tempura chef working the counter. Plan for at least 90 minutes for a meal.

Prices can vary greatly depending on the dishes ordered. Set courses range from MOP200 to MOP2,000 – the lower priced sets offer great value for money as they include soup, salad, appetiser, pickles and dessert. On average, expect to pay about MOP600-800 per person for dinner, excluding wine.