Mutsuki-An has developed over the years into an Oak Bay jewel. With humble beginnings, this unpretentious sushi spot has blossomed into greatness, albeit unusual greatness.

The only way I can think to put it, is that this restaurant is 'personality driven.' By which, I mean that the ladies who run this restaurant imprint a great deal of themselves on the space. With regard to the food the outcome is fastidiously made sushi, with extreme attention to detail. The decor and atmosphere on the other hand, is very much someone's personal taste and while nothing seems out of order in this spotlessly clean and orderly space, it does feel vaguely like someone's living room.

The menu is simple and you won't find any exotic ingredients or many hot items. That said, what they do, they do perfectly. The miso soup ($2.75), for example, is portioned generously and includes seaweed and tofu, among other things and served in a lovely bowl and saucer set.

The presentation of any given dish is careful and attractive and the sushi well prepared and easy to eat (no collapsing sushi rolls here).

note: the spicy tuna roll ($7.25) is the best I've ever had - plump tuna and a very spicy and good tasting sauce - not to be missed!

Mutsuki-An is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-2pm and 430pm-730pm. They do plenty of take away orders, but they recommend you call them in, because they get very busy. Also, with 3 hrs notice, they do very reasonably prices party trays ($25-$82). Due to limited seating (under 20 seats) they don't take lunchtime reservations.

Value of Food: 88/100

Quality of Food: 92/100

Speed and quality of service: 85 /100  (very cheery!)

Ambiance: 75/100 (cutsey and a little bit weird, it feels very Japanese)

 Reviewed: January 09 2006