A quiet and easy going life, 99% of the time sunny days, a spacious house with mountain views, an old Toyota Landcruiser, lots of outdoor activities and an empty diary. After several years we were pretty much used to the Australian outback. And then, we suddenly moved to London…..in December!
I still remember the very moment that I was hanging on to one of those straps in the London subway. The tube was completely packed, it had been pouring rain all day so everyone was wet and smelly. Too many people, too much noise, I was cold, wet and it was already dark outside. I looked up at Reinier, just 1 inch away from me. We exactly thought the same…..why on earth did we leave Australia???
We felt really sorry for ourselves haha. Fortunately we managed to find a small but very cosy house in Wimbledon Park. I must admit that within a few months I started to get used to city life again. When spring hits London, the city emerges from a grey and gloomy cocoon. The time of year in which we started to make the city our own. Spring was also the time when our search started for the best and most special restaurants in London. Instead of one Indian restaurant we now had unlimited choice of all world kitchens. We especially preferred sushi restaurants! Below you will find a selection of my favourites.
1. Koji
Our all-time favourite!! We have tried to visit as many different restuarants as possible, but Koji is the only restaurant where we’ve been to multiple times. It is the restaurant where we often took friends and family to celebrating they “bothered” to visit us. Koji has this local vibe, though you have to book in advance, because it is busy every day of the week. The food is exquisite and the cocktails are extraordinary. I loved the fact that the chefs prepare the food in front of you at the bar (our favourite spot). Another fact, over the years the staff pretty much stayed the same. So I believe that if a restaurant owner has loyal people, you probably treat them very well and you see this back in the way they treat their customers. Every visit has been a feast, food wise and with flawless service. Address: 58 New Kings Road, Parsons Green, SW6 4LS .
Koji restaurant
2. Nobu
Well, if you have to celebrate something or if you’ve hit the jackpot visit Nobu. This is a Japanese food Walhalla. The very best I have ever tasted. The signature dish of Nobu (chef Nobu Matsuhisa) is the black cod in miso. It’s divine. Every dish is a new subtle explosion of flavours and the cocktails are marvellous creations. Don’t look at the pricelist. You probably won’t visit a Nobu restaurant any time soon, so make sure you enjoy every second! Address: Old Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1LB or 15 Berkely Street, Mayfair, W1J 8DY.
3. Sticks’n’Sushi
In case Nobu is a bit beyond your budget Stick’n’Suhsi is a great alternative. The sushi is yummi and the Japanese style snacks are literally served on little sticks. So best to alternate your sushi orders with sticks and vice versa. Luckily there is a Wimbledon location, so for us it was just around the corner. However if you are not in the neighbourhood Sticks’n’Sushi has branches in Covent Garden, Canary Warf, Greenwich and Victoria. Address: 58 Wimbledon Hill Rd, Wimbledon, SW19 7PA.
4. Takahashi
This place is a real hidden gem. Again, situated in Wimbledon, but worth the travel! The chef of Takahashi has earned his name at Nobu, where he worked for 14 years. Takahashi is a very small and tranquil venue with attentive waiters and oh the food…..!! Very original dishes, great quality and the best of flavours. You really taste the care that has been put into preparing the food for you. A must visit for all sushi lovers! Address: 228 Merton Road, Merton, SW19 1EQ.
5. Chotto Matte
There are soooo many great restaurants in Soho! Chotto Matte therefore is not particularly the best of the best, but if you fancy sushi it is a fun place to visit. The interior is colourful and the menu is diverse (mix of Japanese-Peruvian). I would especially recommend this place when you are in Soho to visit a theatre show. They serve these special theatre sushi dinner boxes. A good choice when you are sort of in a hurry and you don’t really want to think about what to order. These boxes with different compartments include a selection of sushi, sashimi, tempura and greens. Good value for money. Address: 11-13 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4RB.
Oh and before I forget, if you’re shopping at High Street Kensington, go to the Whole Foods Market. An attraction in itself. On the first floor there is a food court where you can buy delicious sushi, eat-in or take-away. Great for lunch, for example. And hop, there you go…..shopping again!!
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