Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Cafe Japan, Hi Sushi Izakaya & Koya (Part 1/5)


This is post 1 of my Japanese cuisine marathon posts. I have to say that I was a little surprised with how many I have been and yet there are so many more to discover. The first spot is Cafe Japan in Golders Green which I have been to many times but realised that I haven't blogged about.


Cafe Japan

"WHAT! You haven't been to Cafe Japan?", exclaimed my friends. We have to fix that. So I find myself trekking to Golders Green when the tube guardians decide to keep the train service running on a particular weekend instead of the regular engineering works.

Even arriving for what is considered early for lunch, the place is busy and there is already a queue. So queued we did. It gave me an opportunity to look around. Cafe Japan isn't big with maybe no more than 15 tables, tight and cosy sitting is what I will call it.

We didn't have long to wait before we got ourselves a table.


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Sashimi
The sashimi here is of the same quality as what I get from the Sydney Fish Market. With the right silky texture, it was a pleasure to eat it.

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We also tried a variety of sushi rolls, tempura and udon which were all good and very much enjoyed.

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Unagi don

I love my unagi and you won't regret ordering this here. The sauce plays a huge part and this has to be the best I've had in London so far. The unagi was cooked properly as it should be and not tough or dry. Unagi made properly have an almost melt in your mouth texture.

Will I recommend: Yes
Will I come back: Yes
Have I had better: I think this sits easily in the top three in London



Hi Sushi Izakaya

I came to Hi Sushi Izakaya for a pre-theatre dinner. It wasn’t easy locating it the first time as it is nestled within the Covent Garden area.

My dining companion and I ordered a bento set each as we were a little rushed for time.

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Salmon teriyaki

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Bento set sashimi and sushi

I have to say that I’m surprised at not discovering this place earlier. The food is tasty and made well. Definitely a worthy venture and find.




Will I recommend: Yes
Will I come back: Yes
Have I had better: Yes


Koya

I’ve been to Koya quite a number of times now and I still enjoy it every single time. Especially when I am meeting friends who like to have their dinner early (say 5.30-6pm)!

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Where else that is the best time to go than to Koya as the odds are on your side at that time. No queues and quick service! I had some friends visiting from the other side of the world and we came here as they wanted an early dinner and I can only do with a quick bite as there was another dinner I was attending later.

Needless to say, they loved it!

Will I recommend: Yes
Will I come back: Yes
Have I had better: Yes

Cafe Japan, 626 Finchley Road, London, NW11 7RR
Cafe Japan on Urbanspoon


Hi Sushi Izakaya, 27 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JS

Hi Sushi Izakaya on Urbanspoon


Koya, 49 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4SQ

Koya on Urbanspoon


Related Posts:
Kulu Kulu Sushi & Eat Tokyo (Part 2/5)
Bincho, Kyoto, Abeno Too (Part 3/5)
Toku, Edokko & Atari-ya (Part 4/5)
Tsuru Sushi & Sushi Hiroba (Part 5/5)

4 comments:

  1. I'm a huge fan of Japanese food. Maki in Richmond is my latest discovery - v handy for West Londoners: http://eats-the-world.blogspot.com/2011/10/maki-restaurant-review.html

    I'd love to know what sort of prices the places you've reviewed charge?

    c

    ReplyDelete
  2. Claire - Hello. Richmond is a little far for me but I'll definitely keep a mental note of it. I usually try to include the prices in my post but I just realised that none was added here. These ones range between £5 - £15 I would say.

    ReplyDelete
  3. If the sashimi is as good as the fish markets in Sydney- I'm there. Thanks for the heads up!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tori - I actually think it is as good as sydney fish market when I was there...only problem is...fish market is more value for money...but that's for quite a lot of things in London I think

    ReplyDelete

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