Taro, Soho, London

Taro
10 Old Compton Street
London, W1D 4TF

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

foodbymark said
"Fast" Food
This Taro is conveniently tucked away just off Charing Cross on Old Compton Road. It is the second of three restaurants with the original just nearby. The ground flood serves as the kitchens where you can see the team of busy chefs working away. With a single set of stairs leading down to the basement you arrive at the restaurant which has a very open layout with wooden tables and benches along the walls and tables and chairs dotted around the middle and towards the back.

We ordered the Toro Rolls (4 pieces), Gyoza (5 fried pieces), 2 portions of Beef Teriyaki, 2 cups of green tea and glasses of tap water. Our friendly waiter hurried back with our drinks almost immediately and within a couple of minutes the Toro Rolls arrived. Almost melt in mouth, the fatty tuna rolls were a perfect light start. Almost immediately our Gyoza arrived, fresh and light with a crispy underside and not drenched in oil. Again, perfectly timed for out "fast" food dinner, the beef teriyaki arrived. Thinly grilled strips of steak, sliced and placed on top of steamed rice and a small amount of fried vegetables. A medley of julienned carrots, cabbage, onions and bean sprouts. The beef was succulent and although stated on the menu as being medium done, the medium rare result in mine was perfect.

An early evening meal for two, the restaurant wasn't too busy and there never seems to be many tourist there, if any at all. £29 including service at 10% is just right.

Koi, London

Koi

1A Palace Gate
Kensington
London W8 5LS
020 7581 8778

Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)

foodbymark said
Top Sushi in London
Located near the Kensington Garden Hotel and Royal Albert hall, Koi, is at the very start of Palace Gate. For a quiet and discrete Sushi experience that is easily amongst the best in London, this is the place to go to. Slightly better than Nobu for Sushi (despite Nobu London's prestigious 1 Michelin Star and no.30 San Pellegrino world ranking), although I do prefer Nobu for entrees and an overall experience and ambience.

The Dragon Roll sushi is outstanding, from the perfect ripeness of the avocado and more, as is the soft shell crab roll.

It's not cheap though, and you should expect to spend between £30 and £40 a head here with just a beer or soft drink.

Nori Ten Shio / Fried Seaweed Snack

Nori Ten Shio / Fried Seaweed Snack / "Daiko"
aka Fried Seaweed Snack

I picked this whilst dropping by the Japan Centre on Piccadilly. It was a failed trip to Yoshino which after finding it's new location, also found it to close after 5pm... So I picked up some sushi from the Japan Centre, nowhere near as good as Yoshino although similarly priced.