Zipangu

What I love about Zipangu is that instead of generic japanese, they offer a huge array of japanese-like food but with a slightly different take on it. So you can still get the usual Japanese menu items if you want, but they do a huge array of other things (eggplant with cheese and japanese pizza- weird sounding but yum!). Very nice atmosphere too, albeit a little small, and the staff are super friendly and attentive.

Very cool vibe. Feel like I’m in Japan. Food is best but also has a very western japanese vibe to it rather than traditional Japanese. But great food all up

The pork belly is badass

When you think of yakitori/izakaya places in Auckland, most people think Ken's Yakitori, Tanuki's Cave or Nishiki. It's a shame not as many people have heard of Zipangu. I highly rate them. Run by an energetic Japanese man who always has a permanent tan. He runs the place with enthusiasm and dynamo. Their dishes are varied and have a feel of European cuisine mixed with Japanese cuisine to them. Best enjoyed with a large group of people and get everyone to share the dishes. 

Does what a BYO restaurant should. Serves tasty, great value food with an enjoyable atmosphere.  I recently went with a sitting of 8 people and we got around 20 dishes which were snappily prepared and came out at great intervals. Their special sauce Karage Chicken is to die for and should be a mainstay on anyones order. It is rather small and can be hard to get a booking at times and you can make bookings on the website however the manager at times will not recognise online bookings which can be confusing. Overall I'd happily recommend Zi Pangu to anyone who enjoys Japanese, but make sure you confirm your booking and get in early.