Herald rating ****
Address: 309 Queen St
Phone: 379 5152
Open: Tues-Sat from 5pm
KEY POINTS:
We arrive: Just after work on a Friday. We are the first punters to arrive at this Japanese stand bar, but the place is soon full. Mind you, this isn't too much of an ask - it only takes about 12 people to make a party at this small bar. Oddly enough, apart from the two bar staff, we're the only females in the place.
Are served our first drinks: After being ushered to one of the two high tables tucked in by the window by one of the smiling bar girls. We've come to drink sake so peruse the extensive list of exotic sounding drinks, finally settling on Dew of the Peach Blossoms ($12 for 180mls). We're then brought over a small basket of sake cups and get to choose which to drink from. Apparently it brings good luck if you choose your companion's drinking vessel. It's a very nice touch.
The decor is ... Fairly plain as you'd expect in such a small space. The walls are panelled with kauri and there is a cool corrugated iron strip running behind the bar. There are traditional Japanese masks, lanterns and parasols sprinkled throughout.
... and the ambience: Cosy and intimate.
The house chardonnay is: Well, you shouldn't really come here for the wine list, which is limited but pricey, but if you fancy a chard, the cheapest is Huia at $10 a glass.
The beers on tap are: None. The standard range of Japanese beers are available in various sizes, plus Stella Artois, Amstel and Heineken.
It smells of: There is a definite odour of wood from all that panelling. And later, once the small plates of Japanese snacks like gyoza and shrimps start arriving, it smells delicious.
The music is: Too low to pay much attention too, but there was definitely some Nina Simone in there.
The toilets are: A bit of an adventure actually - you have to go down a narrow, dark staircase to find the basic but adequate unisex bathroom.
Why you should go: All of the Japanese establishments on that stretch of street are brilliant, and Nombei is a great addition. It's the perfect place to pop into for a quick drink and snack on your way to a show or the movies, but I'd get in quick before the word spreads.
Bottom line: A wee gem of a place which you should visit immediately.
