Tokyo Diner

Am delighted to have found a new favourite food place. It was a lovely, quiet place to have a meal before heading out to a movie. My salmon dish was excellent and subtly flavoured, and the others really enjoyed their bento boxes. I look forward to bringing more friends there.
Comment on this reader review

KimV
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Monday, December 17, 2007

I loved this place. It's kind of like a my local Japanese now!

I always go pass there after working pretty near by.

Love the food, and one of the best I have tasted. The decor and presentation of the food look very traditional and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. I even used a few Japanese phrases to get the hang of learning the basics! Great atmosphere, as me and my friends didn't want to leave as we sat all comfy and warm, with refills of the lovely green tea!

(one thing about the Japanese is that they are very polite and well-mannered too, and that when we were paying our bill, it implies that they don't accept tips, and that there were no service charges). Definitely will go again, and again as I am nearby too! Try it out and see for yourself!
Comment on this reader review

Kerry C
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, December 06, 2007

I've just moved to London, and coming from sushi-heaven Vancouver, I was determined to find all the best (or at least good) Japanese places to go. I read about Tokyo Diner on a few sites and in a travel guide, so I decided to try it. I've been there twice already, and both times came out happy.

If you're looking just (or even mostly) for sushi, it might not be the place for you -- although it was good and fresh, there is little in terms of selection. But if you get something else as a main and want to add a roll or some nigiri, it's fine. First time I had the salmon don bowl, and it was very good. The salmon was fresh, and the rice filling. Plus they add a few extra toppings like egg and veggies. Second time I had the japanese-style curry (vegetable). It's quite a good portion -- definitely filling! And it too was very good.

Service is unassuming, but there when you need it, with a smile.

Best feature, aside from the food, are the prices for most of the dishes. Very good value, at least for London!

p.s. maybe they didn't in the past, but they now have at least some sashimi -- no tuna, of course.
Comment on this reader review

MDM
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Monday, November 05, 2007

The restaurant itself is designed to look exactly like the traditional Japanese sushi bars you would find in Japan, not very common in a city full of modern Japanese restaurants. Once I step inside, the Japanese decor continues from the dim lighting to the little stools around the wooden tables giving off a homely feel and I get a sense that I'm about to taste some true authentic Japanese food. I was right, the food here was presented very nicely and the sushi was fresh. The bento boxes were outstandingly delicious. the best I've ever tastest!

The atmosphere is very intimate and calm set over 3 floors, it's pretty compact and reminded me of a Japanese house film set. The green tea is the best and you can get free refills when you call for a member of staff for more tea.

Overall, the food here is very delicious, reasonable priced, nice friendly staff and fast service. Since then, I've been there five times and I have never been disappointed even with a group of six! I've recommend it to many friends and its a now a favourite of mine when I'm around Soho. One note: You must try the Bento Boxes, believe me you'll love it!
Comment on this reader review

Bonnie
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, September 03, 2007

Went here a couple of months ago with a friend. We walked straight out when we discovered they won’t do sashimi. Sushi but no sashimi. Come on people, it’s just the fish without the rice! The waitress refused to just give me just the fish, so we left. According to a previous reviewer they don’t do tempura either. I guess it’s cheap but Kintaro up the street are around the same price and do everything you’d expect to find at a Japanese canteen. Not worth it.
Comment on this reader review

Jedi - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, August 15, 2007

I had visiting Tokyo Diner regularly for 8 years until yesterday.

The last two times I have been were awful. Rude service from the waiter, and cold food. Last time I went he demanded an extra pound because I "ordered before 3pm". Yesterday he demanded I return my magazine to the rack before I could pay.

He had a point, perhaps I should, but as a regular customer with a busy job and just a short lunch hour - I forgot. As he was being rude I chose to be rude also. I refused to return the magazine and demanded he take my money.

I'm never going back.

I also used to see the owner around and nowadays I never do. Students can do well as Tokyo Diner cos it's so cheap. Everyone else - AVOID!
Comment on this reader review

Peter A
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Now Ive never tried Japanese food (other than Sushi at my Japanese language class Christmas party) and my friend took me to this restuarant just to catch up^^

The service wasn't so bad ^^ The waitress we had didnt say much but she seemed nice.

The feel of the place was nice......... really quiet and it just seemed like a good place for a couple of mate's to catch up and have a little chat.

Food wise it was nice ^^ 1st time I had real Japanese food and I really liked it. Was cooked well and OMG it was huge lol I had the Miso-Ramen..... was really nice.

I suggest that this would be more the sort of place for a couple of friends who are looking for somthing to eat and a chat togo. Not really a place for a huge group of people togo eat for a Birthday or somthing.
Comment on this reader review

Fred
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Sunday, April 29, 2007

This restaurant is quite simply amazing - the food is fantastic and so fresh. the atmosphere and ambience is so relaxed, yes its basic surroundings but who cares when the food is this good!! well worth the visit and please try the bento meals! i will be travelling back from cambridge for more!
Comment on this reader review

John (Sous Chef)
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, April 22, 2007

I am very curious about some of the comments as this is one of my favourite places in London. Always friendly, fresh food which is always delicious. The perfect place to go any night (even on a weekend!) if you want to go out but want some proper peace and chilled out time with good friends. Although very basic environment, it is a very intimate and friendly location.
Comment on this reader review

Nina
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, January 26, 2007

I am curious to read all the comments about the service- How can people put an emphasis on service in such a basic place where surely the food is the key issue here (hence the name Tokyo Diner surely?)

Great, no, Amazing place to come in soho where everything tends to be overpriced and bad quality. If you want smiles and pats on the shoulder, ask your partner to do it for you.
Comment on this reader review

Jonathan
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, January 16, 2007