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Having won critical acclaim at Hot Stone in Islington’s Chapel Market, Executive Chef Padam Raj Rai brings over 20 years of experience in some of the city’s most renowned Japanese restaurants to RAI. His impeccable tasting menus chart the history and modern-day evolution of Japanese cuisine whilst showcasing meticulously sourced ingredients, including Hyo?go Prefecture Kobe.
Open Wednesday - Saturday, RAI’s elegant and seasonal plates are also available to order à la carte, and offer an aesthetically pleasing and contemporary take on modern Japanese cuisine. The menus change regularly according to what is in season but usually begin with a light and intricate snack such as crispy rice and tuna; alongside homemade tofu, marinated in ten years-aged soy and topped with ponzu caviar. Delicate and carefully balanced plates follow, with dishes featuring the highest-grade Kagoshima A5 wagyu with kizami wasabi from Japan, alongside the finest nori from Japan’s Ariake Sea – Sanpuku.
Harden's says
Formerly known as Hot Stone, and under the same ownership, this Fitzrovia site - under executive chef Padam Raj Rai - has launched this modern fusion concept using Japanese techniques, omakase-style in a tasting menu format, using "quintessential British" ingredients.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu and exemplary sashimi” inspire rave reviews for Shrabaneswor Rai and chef Padam Raj Rai’s Fitzrovia newcomer (previously a second branch of Hot Stone, which they also own). There’s no à la carte – the format is one of a multi-course, omakase-style tasting menu and fans are “blown away by the quality of the food”.
For 32 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 RAI?
RAI Restaurant Diner Reviews
"As you come into the restaurant the smell of cleaning products greets you. It didnt go away the whole evening, naturally, as Japanese food doesnt tend to be that strong smelled and so it was rather annoying to eat food thinking of bleach. The service was attentive, but not tuned for a Japanese experience. I'm glad I've seen their food and tasted it, but I wont be going back, especially at that price tag."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
3 Windmill Street, London, W1T 2HY
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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