An intimate, authentic husband-and-wife run izakaya that delivers refined, soulful Japanese cooking far superior to standard high-street fare.
Ordering Strategy
The menu changes daily and dishes run out when they run out—arrive early or order the specials immediately. It is small and intimate, better for pairs than groups.
What to order
Full Bento
A standout choice that 'actually tastes of Japan' rather than an 'out of a box formula', featuring 'warm and seasoned' rice and high-quality fish like wild seabass or salmon.
Wagyu Beef or Pork Katsu
The menu leans heavily towards these substantial meat options, prepared by Makoto Takagi, who brings expertise from his time cooking at Zuma in Knightsbridge.
Miso Soup
This is no ordinary side dish; it is praised for having real 'cojones' and depth, distinguishing it from the usual instant powder mixes found elsewhere.
More in West Hampstead
- ColabaIndian · ££75
- The Petite CoréeKorean · ££68
Signal Score
Signal score reflects how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.
Top critic: Ali (80%)
Editorial Weight 56 pts
Authority + depth + recency
Agreement 0 pts
How aligned the critics are
Coverage 2 pts
How many real review signals exist
Public Signal 15 pts
Google rating + volume
Boosts 0 pts
Manual boosts + hidden gem
Review signals
0 Elite · 0 Editorial · 1 total signals
Public signal
4.9★ (197 reviews)
Good to know
Run by Makoto Takagi (ex-Zuma chef) and his wife Yoko. It sits unassumingly opposite a Tesco but offers Michelin-adjacent quality.
Locations
Trust signals
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- mediumConfidence level
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