Two Gays Three Takes ..
Yelp
8.0/10
Dined on 8/25/24
Bar Nohm bills itself as a modern izakaya--a casual Japanese bar that serves a variety of drinks and small dishes. The small plates, perfect for sharing, make it an ideal spot for after-work socializing, though we found the five dishes we selected more than satisfying for dinner. Everything was delicious, and it's easy to see why Bar Nohm earned a spot as a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist.
We were impressed by the complexity of flavors and the stellar presentation. The drinks were as thoughtfully crafted as the food, and the branding--from the menus to the decor--was spot on. Next time we're in SLC we'll be back.
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spicy striped jack
cabbage salad, perilla, nori
grilled rice
tare, kimchi, mushroom, nori
chicken wings
gochujang butter, sesame seed, lemon zest, cotija
spicy prawns
chipotle cream, thai slaw, avocado, coconut
szechuan noodle
skirt steak, a choy, sesame, mushroom
shiso
vanilla semifredo, shiso/makgeolli granita, crystalized white chocolate
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Bar Nohm delivered a solid performance with five consistently tasty dishes. The Szechuan noodles were the most substantial plate we sampled, with a generous portion of chewy noodles bathed in a chili butter sauce that delivered subtle mala -- the signature numbing spiciness from Szechuan peppercorns. The spicy prawns were a lighter addition -- the thai slaw featuring papaya and herbs incorporated plenty of lime and fish sauce and struck the perfect balance between tart and sweet.
The grilled rice was a nice twist on crispy rice, with a crunchy exterior glazed in sweet soy. Finely diced mushrooms and kimchi added depth and substance to the plate. The spicy striped jack offered six generous slices of sashimi complemented by a crisp cabbage salad and herbaceous perilla. I found this dish particularly well balanced; the spicy dressing enhanced the dish without overwhelming it. When the reasonable price point is accounted for, Bar Nohm really hit it out of the park. - TWP
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Bar Nohm provided a great experience. It has a trendy and modern aesthetic that makes it a great place to go out with friends. The food and drinks matched the aesthetic--with modern-but-refined options that consistently hit the mark. My cocktail was rye-based and boozy, while balancing a little sweetness and spice. The prawns, striped jack, and crispy rice all had a kick to them, super fresh ingredients, and nice accompaniments that added texture and flavor. I didn't love the wings as much as TWP did--I personally prefer them to have a little crisp on the outside, but they tasted good. The noodles were also a great center piece--more filling than the other options, while being perfectly salted and also a little spicy. Overall, it was difficult to find anything wrong, and I would definitely go back again. -JB