The more discreet other half of Yardbird, Ronin is in a even more discreet location to find (grey metal door with no signage), and unlike it’s hip other half’s no reservation policy – Ronin thankfully takes reservations in this much smaller and intimate space.
The menu at Ronin is also slightly different, but short sweet and simple to navigate. There are lots of fried items on the menu and varying portions and options of Japanese dishes from salads to sashimi, oysters and rice based dishes.
The sake selection is similar to Yardbird and a friendly sommelier is always there on standby to help with recommendations. I wouldn’t say if Ronin or Yardbird is better than the other, they are very different places with a different vibe and serving a different kind of food – all Japanese inspired with chef Abergel honing his Japanese cooking techniques.
What we really loved was the Ikura (fish roe) over creme fraiche served with housemade potato chips, a deep fried prawn dish. Our quail was a little disappointing as the dark meat part of it was raw and not fully cooked – lacking that finesse of cooking the quail evenly and perfectly throughout… and our eel rice, way too sweet!
8 On Wo Ln, Sheung Wan, 2547 5263; Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight. Closed Sun.