Harden's survey result
Summary
Some of “the best (reasonably affordable) sushi in London” can be found at these supermarket/cafés operated by a Japanese food importer. But it’s all about the “fresh and addictive” plates – “service is a bit rough and ready when they’re busy” and the ambience “lacks soul”.
Summary
Though centrally made, the sushi is some of “the best and best-priced in London” (“not surprising as they supply many of the top restos”) at this small collection of cafés, run by a Japanese food importer. “Don’t expect any ambience to write home about” – decor is “very basic” – while service is “fine without being personable”. Branches in N12 and W3 closed this year, which also saw the group rebrand from plain ‘Atari-Ya’.
Summary
“Always packed and rightly so” was the worst report this year on this group of Japanese caffs, run by a food import business, where the dishes (“mostly excellent sushi”) can be “divine”. The decor, though, is “very simple” and the resulting atmosphere “pretty rubbish”.
Summary
The sushi is “exceptional” (“every piece is delicious!”) and comes “at a reasonable cost” at these “authentic” outfits, operated by a Japanese food importer, and scattered around the parts of London frequented by Nipponese expats (“they’re always heaving with folks from Japan”). On the downside, “service is woolly”, and “they’re not the most glamorous” places (“St James’s is basically a takeaway with a waiting room, with service on a plastic tray!”).
Opening hours
Last orders: 10 pm
Best Japanese restaurants nearby
Japanese restaurant in Hampstead
Japanese restaurant in Maida Vale
Japanese restaurant in Marylebone
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Indian restaurant in Swiss Cottage
Mediterranean restaurant in Kilburn
Indian restaurant in West Hampstead