RestaurantsLondonIslingtonN1

Breaking news

Launching a 14-course omakase chef's table experience in August 2020, for just 4 people per sitting.

Harden's says

Steak and sushi bar in Islington’s Chapel Market with DIY hot stone cooking.

survey result

Summary

£91
 ££££
2
Average
2
Average
2
Average
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Fresh, innovative sushi and sashimi” share billing with “fantastic wagyu beef cooked on stones”, according to fans of this “buzzy dining room”, which has moved from Islington to Fitzrovia in a reshuffle of ex-Zuma chef Padam Raj Rai’s restaurant portfolio. Even supporters feel “the voucher system – and the upsell when using the vouchers – can be annoying” though, while critics reckon “the food doesn’t live up to the hype, hence the constant discounted offers”.

Summary

£91
 ££££
2
Average
2
Average
2
Average
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

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”.

Summary

£90
 ££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“What a great place to enjoy wagyu steak… which, as its name indicates, is cooked on a hot stone at the table” – Padam Raj Rai’s Islington ishiyaki is one of only a handful of UK restaurants selling certified Kobe beef, and also serves high-quality sushi and sashimi. Most reports are hymns of praise – occasional niggles relate to service that is occasionally “hit or miss”. Its former Fitzrovia sibling is now branded as Rai (see also).

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Hot Stone?

9 Chapel Market, London, N1 9EZ

Restaurant details

No dress code

Prices

  Cost Availability Courses
Menu1 65.00 Dinner only 2
Menu2 75.00 Dinner only 1

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£13.00 £25.00 £5.00 £9.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £46.00
Filter Coffee £5.50
Extras  
Bread £0.00
Service 12.50%
9 Chapel Market, London, N1 9EZ
Opening hours
Monday5 pm‑9:30 pm
Tuesday5 pm‑9:30 pm
Wednesday5:30 pm‑9 pm
Thursday5:30 pm‑9 pm
Friday5 pm‑9:30 pm
Saturday12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm
Sunday12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:45 pm

Best Japanese restaurants nearby

Wagamama, N1 Centre
Japanese restaurant in Islington
£59
   ££
2
Average
2
Average
2
Average
Kanada-Ya
Japanese restaurant in Islington
£43
    £
4
Very Good
3
Good
2
Average
Sushi Tetsu
Japanese restaurant in Clerkenwell
£187
£££££
5
Exceptional
5
Exceptional
3
Good

Best similarly priced restaurants nearby

Morchella
restaurant in Islington
£88
 ££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
St John Smithfield
British, Traditional restaurant in Clerkenwell
£89
 ££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
Manicomio City
Italian restaurant in City
£93
 ££££
2
Average
2
Average
2
Average