Angel, Japanese Restaurant Guide

Many diners do applaud “wonderful ingredients, impeccably presented” at this ambitious Japanese venue on Islington’s Chapel Market, and say that the “signature sashimi, maki rolls and different types of wagyu that you cook on a hot stone are all spectacular”. But a slew of critical reports – in particular regarding voucher promotions – has dented ratings; and such feedback is peppered with a variety of critiques and disappointments, including some “fairly average dishes” and some items charged at “outrageous prices”.

“The best ramen in London, IMO – the rich, porky broth is perfect”, say fans of former pro-cyclist Kazuhiro Kanada’s five noodle bars – in Angel, Piccadilly, Covent Garden, Carnaby and Ealing. “If you’re going to do one thing, do it well, and they do” – so they “deserve the frequent queues”.

“An amazing variety of small, tasty and unusual combination dishes served in a very cool environment” continues to win a thumbs up – if from a tiny fan club – for this Israeli-Japanese one-year-old in the shiny new Islington Square development.

2021 Review: “Not the most attractive area” – the traffic arteries south of King’s Cross station – “but the food in this outwardly fairly nondescript-looking restaurant is fabulous”, and this makes a very handy and good value Vietnamese refuelling spot.

2023 Review: Kaz Tateishi’s “conscientious and consistent” (and therefore very Japanese) sushi shop with eat-in seats is tucked away in Islington’s cute Camden Passage. A meal here (or taken away in a box) “always feels like money well spent”. There is now a second outlet in Shoreditch.