Shanghai Restaurant Review: Ifuku Isaribi

By Cristina Ng, March 4, 2019

The Place

Ifuku Isaribi in Plaza 66 is yet another indication that the mall dining train is not slowing down anytime soon. Retaining the most popular dishes from Ifuku in Xintiandi, the company’s second opening is a higher-end robata-ya (grilled meat reaturant) sourcing premium Wagyu, black pork, chicken and more directly from Japan.

Head chef and namesake, Ifuku comes from Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, where he was born into a family of fishermen. It was there he learned ichiyaboshi – techniques for salting and drying seafood overnight – from his grandmother. Once cured, the proteins are prepared on traditional charcoal grills.

The Food

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Image courtesy Ifuku Isaribi

A nine Appetizer Assortment (RMB128) allows you to try a bit of everything. Standouts include sweet and sour tomatoes, wasabi octopus and cream cheese with miso sauce.

Image by Cristina Ng/That's

The overwhelming a la carte menu featuring sushi, sashimi, sukiyaki and noodles contains some hits as well. There are three levels of beef, and we can’t deny that a sizzling portion of the ultra-premium Grilled Wagyu (RMB888) is an explosion of juiciness. Surprisingly, a more humble Beef Tongue (RMB128), while chewier, is equally satisfying.

Image courtesy Ifulu Isaribi

Drying the Chicken (RMB58) overnight yields a concentrated flavor, accented nicely by a yuzukosho sauce of lime and chili, while the same treatment for Squid (RMB48) imbues the taste of seawater. Served with just a single slice of lemon, the ingredients speak for themselves (although failing to remove the seeds is a sadly overlooked detail).

Carb lovers will love the Ume Ochazuke (RMB48), where the flavors of preserved plums, wasabi and scallion add piquancy to the rice and fragrant dashi broth.

Image by Cristina Ng/That's

Freshly made Japanese Cream Cheese (RMB48) spread on crackers with a drizzle of honey is the best way to end your meal.

Food Verdict: 2.5/3

The Vibe

Image courtesy Ifulu Isaribi

Ifuku Isaribi provides both convenience and variety within an elegant space perfect for diners who are after quality ingredients. You can add bottles of sake and make it a group event, but efficient service means this is a good spot for fast weeknight dinner, too. All the action is at the grill, so request seats at the bar if you want a bit of interaction.