Date Night — Best Japanese in Central London

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12 Pieces of Omakase Nigiri

Critics describe this as '£33 well spent', featuring 'unctuous scallop' and 'delicately fatty chutoro' on rice that is 'still just warm' and 'lightly vinegared'.

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Nigiri Selection

With chefs from the acclaimed Roji, the sushi is technically flawless—expect fatty tuna that evaporates in your mouth and perfectly sweet squid.

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Smoked mackerel with fresh herbs and leaves on a bed of udon with a sensationally good sauce

A cold dish that was 'so vividly flavoured, and yet also so fresh and (thanks to the veg) so sharply green-tasting, that it added up to a perfect winter cheerer-up.' The noodles had 'a mystifying depth of flavour and a perfect texture'.

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Beef Atsu-Atsu

The tender brisket and perfectly balanced hot broth make this a comforting, benchmark bowl for first-timers.

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Omakase

Andy Hayler recommends letting the chef decide on the food to experience high-quality selections like bonito with spicy soy and uni chawanmushi.

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Matsumae sushi

Mugen's signature dish features rich, fatty Norwegian mackerel cured overnight with vinegar and topped with a layer of transparent konbu seaweed.

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Kinoko Udon

A staple choice featuring 'famed handmade udon' in a deep, nutty mushroom broth. Foodism notes that as soon as these noodles slide in front of you, you'll feel like it's just you and the bowl.

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Tonkotsu Ramen

Regarded by critics as the 'best Tonkotsu ramen in the UK,' this 'original, safe-bet' 18-hour bone broth is 'gloriously rich, milky, and salty.' Experts recommend ordering the noodles 'hard' to ensure the 'right amount of bite' for an authentic experience.

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Chicken Katsu Curry

Described as delightfully crisp and solid across multiple reviews, this is the reliable anchor of the hot menu.

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Chirashi Bowl

Carved right in front of you with a generous mix of high-quality fish including akami, chutoro, and hot eel; hits everything you want from a lunchtime chirashi.