We had previously heard good reviews of Soto so had decided to try it. (We had later heard that the restaurant had changed owners recently so this may have been the result of the subsequent review). The decor was lovely, very modern and stylish. The service was average but friendly enough. We had the duck breast on soba noodles w sesame ponzu sauce, the marinated pork cheeks and the mixed tempura.

The restaurant was let down (and why we wouldn’t go back again) by being extremely poor value for money. The way the menu was structured suggested that you would get an entree then a main then dessert. However, the size of the meals were “tapas” size. For these 3 dishes the cost was approx $70 (excluding drinks – drinks pricing was high end – expect top restaurant prices). The quality of the produce and the taste of the food did NOT warrant this price. Relative to other Japanese restaurants, Soto was extremely overpriced. I am not sure whether the claims of fulfilling the niche market of westernised Japanese fusion particularly needed to be filled in the first place. Restaurants like Nishiki (innovative), Ken Yakitori (traditional yakitori), Katsura (traditional Japanese), etc offer enough variations to fill this market and offer better alternatives.

As most people are suggesting, it’s pretty pricey here. I suppose that shouldn’t take away from the food though, and the food is definitely really good.

This is another place I went to a couple of years ago now so not sure how much has changed, but I did most definitely enjoy the meal. I think I remember it could have been slightly bigger, but I’m used to my chunky steaks or reasonably priced Japanese

Way too expensive. I know it is a classy restaurant but you can’t charge $12 for 4 bits of sushi! Sushi is sushi! Mains are even more expensive, like $30 or so for teriyaki chicken

Nice atmosphere in the restaurant but I don’t think you have to pay that much money for good Japanese food!

Wouldn’t go back.

we have been to this place for special occasions. enjoyed every time there and we love this place. the only thing we like to see some change is the female manager who tries to talk too much at our table. she is very friendly and nice, but we prefer a bit more quiet space and moment of our own.

ok the food here is a bit expensive but they are certainly creative. Nice atmosphere, thoughtful service and interesting presentations. We got a platter of sashimi for $37 – you get about 8 different things, very good except one (I think was tuna) that felt slightly frozen still in the middle :S My captain cook wild pork ribs was divine, the sauce was great and the ribs were huge (not very japanese?). People enjoyed their desserts, I did with my plum wine sorbet. Surprised they didn’t offer plum wine per se, we got the house sake, it was cheap but fairly average. Other (more expensive) sake was much better.

Wow what an experience. My husband booked this restaurant as a birthday surprise & it was brilliant. First class food & service. Had a fantastic night we will gladly return. You don’t mind paying the price for exceptional food & great friendly efficient service.

High quality. Three times there and three times exellent japanese cuisine and perfect service.

We can highly recommend to experienced diners.

Extremely disappointed with both my experiences here. The first time was a specially arranged graduation dinner where, despite asking for a specific table, they assigned us to one of their worst so we had to argue for another.

Secondly, the food took a long time and my meal was completely forgotten. To try and make up with it, they wanted to just give me extra. Thing is, I am a small female and giving me more tempura does nothing to mitigate the situation.

Eventually I had to explain to them that the entire fiasco was not actually ok of an apparently top class restaurant and only then did they apologise and offer us some free ice cream.

Second time round they got the orders wrong and rather than apologise, the rude staff just look annoyed.

If anyone wants a good japanese restaurant with proper food and service, I’d choose Eijis. Soto is a consistent let down.

Nice saki and delicious – nice feeling to the restaurant too. Went for lunch will go for dinner next time.

Loved Soto. We took a couple of friends there as they’d done us a couple of favours. We ate up a storm and had plenty of lovely wine, sake and beer as well. At around $150 a head (with the tip), my husband and I thought it represented pretty good value, as we didn’t stint on the wines (we were on a bit of a food and wine odyssey around the South Island). My husband compared it favourably with Tetsuya’s in Sydney and Soto is half the price. The Aussie dollar makes it even better value!

Good, expensive, but good.

Food exceptionally well presented, even for a Japanese restaurant. Nice people, super friendly and helpful. Easily one of the best Japanese in town. Good for groups or couples. Oh and BOOK or you’ll end up just reading the menu from the street and eating elsewhere.

We went last weekend 30th May 09 with some friends- a group of four. We were very impressed with the food (we had two different set menus), ambience and service. This is top shelf japanese cuisine, a bit on the expensive side, especially the wine, but worth it for a special night out.

I went to Soto late last year with a foodie friend of mine. We were both impressed and highly enjoyed the food even the dessert.

Ive only just found this website, other wise i would have writen this earlier. But went soto for my 31st birthday last year July. It was very good food especially the mixed Nigiri 6pcs. Titaki tuna w miso mayo, tikaki beef with horse radish and oyster with a sauce i dident know. my wife had the other 3 so i dont remember what they were but she says they were great. Just checked their current menu and the dish isent on there. but a 14pcs is on there now so cona have that one nxt time. Mains were really good aswell!! all up we spent $170 but that was for 1xentre 2xmiso 2xmains 1xdessert 4xbeers 1xwine 1xbigsaki 2xchery ports.
Loved it