Stoke Newington: the new Downtown.

I came away from that place satisfied yet hungry for more. Their raw fish was really pretty good – this ain’t Osaka ya know.

And it kept my sweetheart happy so I aint complainin’ gentlemen.

Been hearing about this place from a few locals, so I had to see for myself. Thursday evening my first impression was it’s an alive and buzzy place, decor quiet vibrantly calming. My partner and I were welcomed warmly as we were asked to be seated by the bar area, this is an area to sit and watch the action unfold in front of you.

For starters we ordered an apple juice each and a mix of different dishes Prawn and Squid Tempura and Yakitori Chicken this was delightfully prepared in front of us while we watched the chef carry out his work. This turned out to be quiet delicious and suculently tasteful…..off to a good start!

We followed up by portions of Sweet Shrimp Nigiri and Salmon Maki which watered our shacking taste buds with the mix of soya and wasabi sauce, mmmmm very nice in deed. The Japanese pancakes were very creative and amazing.

A new gem for Stokey and I will be recommending it to all my friends.

I love sushi, but this was really bad. Skimpy sushi, nigiri and my salmon bento box was pathetic. The chicken teriyaki bento main was horrible, made using the cheapest watery chicken available to man. The sirloin steak bento was just about passable, but a bit chewy.

So, washing it down with refill after refill of japanese tea, trying desperately to fill my stomach, my companion decided to risk a dessert. A very strange pancake thing that she had to send straight back.

The place was really busy and buzzing, and I can only assume this is because it is new…or else people don’t know what they’re eating or don’t care.

I will have to continue going into soho, to my favourite sushi place Misato. Really cheap, really filling…it’s only downside is queue out the door most nights.