Subiaco Mews, a complex located along Hay Street is home to many eateries. There’s Lapa Brazilian, Hippo Creek Meat and Wine and Seoul Buffet, just to name a few. If you have ever been to Hippo Creek Meat and Wine, I am sure that you would have noticed Cheers Japanese Restaurant, which has been a resident at Subiaco Mews for over ten years. On a Saturday evening, I visited Cheers along with my dining partners for dinner. One step and you are welcomed by traditional retro Japanese interior and the warm, friendly service from the owner and his wife, the chef behind the food.

One of my dining partners and I shared the Assorted Sushi and Sashimi ($54) which is perfect to be shared between two. The nigiri sushi comprises of tamago, salmon, tuna, prawn and hamachi. There’s sashimi and tuna maki rolls and not forgetting, the salmon, tuna and hamachi sashimi. It’s a fresh array of sushi and sashimi with bright, attractive colours. The sashimi and sushi were fresh in flavour and they were delicious. Although I was sharing this with another, I still felt very full at the end.

Assorted Sushi and Sashimi ($54)

My other dining partner had the Cheers Special ($39.50) which comprises of sashimi, tempura, teriyaki beef (there’s an option to choose chicken and fish too) with salad, rice and miso soup. I sneaked a taste of the teriyaki beef and it was the most delicious teriyaki beef I have ever had. It was cooked perfectly to medium, juicy and tender. The tempura was deep fried to crisp with a crunch with every bite. If you have a huge appetite, I highly recommend you to order the Cheers Special. I guarantee that you’ll be very satisfied after.

Cheers Special ($39.50)

With some room for dessert, we shared a Green Tea Ice Cream ($5.50). At a Japanese restaurant, you can never go wrong with green tea ice cream for dessert, that is, if you love green tea. It was a refreshing finish to the night.

Green Tea Ice Cream ($5.50)

Dining at Cheers feels like you have been invited for dinner as a guest and the food feels homely; cooked and served with lots of love. I am looking forward to be back to try their Chawanmushi (pre order is a must!) and I hear they serve up a good katsu. Cheers or should I say “Kampai!” to Cheers for serving up good and cheerful Japanese food.

Mel’s Rating : mmmm (excellent)