Notting Hill, Japanese Restaurant Guide

“Tasty, good-value noodles” in a “relaxed environment” make this 12-year-old London chain (14 branches, plus Brighton and Brum) “worth a visit”. The “ramen is deep and fabulous” if “limited in range (no fish-based dishes except prawn)”, and is augmented by “quite acceptable katsu curry”. Aficionados should head to the Haggerston branch to watch the noodles being made.

“Incredible sushi in an environment that is more relaxed and fun than many sushi joints of this quality” is a potent recipe for success at Endo Kazutoshi’s “welcoming” venture (“all the more enjoyable as it affords the opportunity to people-watch in the rarefied atmosphere of Notting Hill”). “A simple menu is very well realised; service is good and friendly”; and since it expanded in late 2022 “the extra floor-space has made for a better atmosphere”.

“Fun and interesting” (if sometimes “very noisy and exhausting”), is the verdict on this “buzzy” Notting Hill Gate hang out, complete with bold Mexican-inspired wall hangings (and soon to acquire a rooftop offshoot at 100 Liverpool Street in the City, scheduled to open in autumn 2023). “The menu is less fusion, more Mexican with a nod to Japan”: “flavour-packed mouthfuls” dubbed ‘Baja-Nihon cuisine’ by founder Markus Thesleff.

After shopping hours, the Supermarket of Dreams in Holland Park Avenue morphs into an upscale Japanese restaurant, with guests seated at a long central table. It started as a pop-up, and announced it was to become a permanent feature in March 2023. Dishes are created by Juan Cardona (formerly of Endo at The Rotunda), and Jaime Finol (formerly of Sumi) and sushi is the mainstay of the menu (as you’d hope, given the stellar renown of both those places in that respect). Reports please!