Johor Bahru - It was one of those bright and breezy afternoons perfect for a family outing, and we decided to head over to Toppen Shopping Centre in Johor Bahru for lunch. Located just next to IKEA Tebrau, Toppen has quickly become one of Johor’s most popular lifestyle malls — filled with restaurants, shops, and plenty of weekend buzz. Among its many dining options, one particular restaurant stood out for its simple promise of affordable yet quality Japanese food — Mr Ryori.
Situated on Level 3 of Toppen, Mr Ryori is a cozy Japanese restaurant that has steadily earned a reputation for serving delicious and reasonably priced Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s name “Ryori” means “cuisine” in Japanese, and true to its name, it delivers an authentic experience without being heavy on the wallet.
Paxton went for the Yakiniku set, which came with slices of grilled beef served with onions, rice, and miso soup. The portion was generous in terms of vegetables — especially the caramelised onions, which gave a sweet balance to the savoury beef. While the beef portion was a little smaller than expected, the flavour made up for it — tender and smoky with a nice grilled aroma.
Susan chose the Saba Set, featuring grilled mackerel as the main dish. The fish was beautifully presented — lightly crisp on the skin, tender and juicy inside, and seasoned just right. A squeeze of lemon brought out the freshness of the mackerel, balancing the richness of the fish oil. Paired with warm rice and miso soup, it was a comforting and satisfying dish that Susan enjoyed thoroughly.
I ordered the Unagi Don, a classic favourite of mine. The grilled eel came laid over a bowl of steaming Japanese rice, glazed with sweet, smoky eel sauce (tare). The unagi was tender and flavourful, with just the right amount of char to give that irresistible smoky edge. Every bite was a delightful mix of soft rice and rich eel. A simple, hearty, and full of umami.
We also decided to share a side dish — the Salmon Mentai Maki. It turned out to be the star of the meal. The maki rolls were neatly presented, topped with seared salmon and creamy mentai sauce that was lightly torched to perfection. The flavour combination was heavenly with a blend of smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy notes that melted in the mouth. The freshness of the salmon was unmistakable, and each bite left us wanting more.
It’s easy to see why this dish is one of Mr Ryori’s most popular items — it’s the perfect balance of modern Japanese flair and traditional sushi craft.
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