Located at Langham Place Hotel at the ever-bustling shopping epicentre that is Mong Kok lies Tokoro. This restaurant and bar is divided down the middle with chunky wooden booths resembling giant birdcages that sadly block the tables by the window from the excitement at the robatayaki counters. The red seats, modern lighting fixtures and mishmash of colours do not work well together in setting a cohesive theme. Do ask to be seated at the robatayaki bar for an dynamic and interactive experience.

Tokoro boasts contemporary Japanese cuisine with robatayaki and seafood dominating the menu. Typical sushi and sashimi, available in platters or a la carte, are on offer and we start the night with the superior sashimi platter (HK$288), which is fresh albeit ordinary. Another starter that was recommended by the staff is a hot spring egg and cheese tofu salad (HK$68), a combination which tastes as peculiar as it sounds. Meat lovers will not be disappointed with the homemade minced chicken robatayaki (HK$48), which is succulent and moreish, or the grade A5 Japanese wagyu beef (HK$328) that melts in your mouth, with just a squirt of lemon that adds the acerbic hit needed to cut the richness. The minced sausage robatayaki (HK$58) is delightfully crunchy but served on a chicken bone, making it awkward to eat and visually, somewhat crass. Poached lobster with udon (HK$168) is up next; its broth is both flavourful and comforting, and the chewy udon and sweet lobster round off the savoury portion of the meal impeccably. We should have ended there as the dessert menu is limited and our green tea ice cream tempura (HK$48) is disappointing. Served on a bed of cornflakes and red bean paste, the tempura batter tastes mostly of flour, and the ice cream itself is lumpy.

The wine list offers a fair selection of reds, whites and sparklings available by the glass or bottle. As expected at a Japanese restaurant, there is an emphasis on sake, with over 20 varieties to choose from. The whiskey menu rom the whiskey bar is also extensive, with a wide range to suit all budgets.

The wait staff at Tokoro are certainly friendly but their timing could be improved. Either they are repeatedly clearing dishes that are not yet finished, or at the other extreme, impossible to catch the attention of when actually needed.

Dinner for two without wine will tally up HK$1,200 which is on the high end, considering the location and lack of consistency in food and service.