Zuma

A fantastic place for a couple
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Lisa
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

We went to Zuma for the first time on saturday the 21st of July in what was a coincidental event with no reservation and without even know where the restaurant was located.

My girlfriend and I are not Japanese so I have to admit that my knowledge on Japanese food is not the best in town and I am somehow a very difficult person to please when it comes to food and wine experiences, whereas my girlfriend is by far more accomodating than me in this sense.

If I had to use just one word to rate the overall experience that would be MIND BENDING.

*Although a very busy night we had an exceptional welcoming at the reception.

When I say "exceptional welcoming" read...far better than the strings of 1 and 2 michelin stars across the capital where I have been eating on a regular basis.

*No tables were available in the restaurant. Nevertheless we were accomodated within 15 minutes in the what I think it was the grill section. Again without repeiting myself..PROACTIVE and EFFICIENT indeed.

*We had 2 tasting menus where each course was immaculately presented, explained by the waitress with compelling flair, "Savoir Fair" and discretion.

To my humble opinion all the dishes were the reflection of premium quality produce used and precisely executed by the Chefs.

The only signature dish which DISAPPOINTED me completely was the Wagyu Beef. I have tasted this Japanese breed few times and to my opinion-Yes, it s tenderness and texture is second to none-but were are the FLAVOURS??

Not to mention the cost of 100 grams of this beef...claimed to be the best in the world just because the Cows are fed with sake, beer (I did not know Cows in Japan binge on drinking..) and massaged to optimise marbling.

*I did not peruse the wine list just because I was still recovering from the previous evening..although it looked not as extensive as the SQUARE in mayfair but still wittingly designed with a massive Sake selection and a Grape Varietals structure.

All in all I will strongly recommend this experience to anyone in the Capital who can dispose of couple hundred pounds for a dinner in a trendy and vibrant place like this.
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Vincenzo
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, July 22, 2007

Zuma's service last Saturday night was amazing -- maybe the best I've ever had either in New York or London. The food also great (the new spicy tuna roll excellent and the signature black cod still to die for).

Need to book at least two weeks in advance for Saturday night dinner, but worth it, and in fact it gives you something to look forward to for two weeks at that. We'll go back as often as we can.
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Sarah
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 03, 2007

Having visited Zuma several times over the past 5 yearsI thought it was about time to give my opinion.

The decor after all this time is still inviting and tasteful and the clientele is still the same .

On my last two visits I saw Gordan Ramsy and Hesten Blumental who need no introduction as they are synonamous with great food.

Signature dishes are as good as ever ,however its always worth trying something new.Also the new Head sushi chef adds a little showmanship to what is undoubtedly now the best sushi in town.

The only drawback is lack of availabilty of bookings and sometimes the long wait between courses during busy periods is annoying.

Overall it is still my favourite restaurant .
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f.sheikh
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, April 29, 2007

I went to Zuma last night for a second time and again I came away being deeply impressed.

The food was very good, the scallops and the foie gras being worthy of a special mention. The service was good but it was clear that some staff knew little or nothing about what each dish contained which I thought was a shame. Overall though, a truly enjoyable eating experience, even more so if the prices do not make you feel sick.
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Rick Brown
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, April 17, 2007

We went to Zuma last night and had an absolutely fantastic experience. The waiter was extremely attentive and yet not at all intrusive (the best service I've ever experienced in London). The food was simply outstanding, with unique flavours that lingered long afterwards, and was complemented with some great wines to choose from. The ambience is relaxed though people obviously dress up to come here! Yes the food is expensive, but we already knew that and were prepared to pay! All in all, a fabulous restaurant for a special occasion...
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, March 28, 2007

I am disappointed to hear so many fairly negative comments about Zuma. I think it should be pointed out that this isn't predominantly a 'sushi' restaurant. They quite clearly state that it's all about new / original / different takes on what would usually be classed as Japanese cuisine.

My boyfriend and I went to Zuma in February 2007, shortly after Valentines day. We decided to push to boat out and go for the tasting menu. This contained some of the most amazing food I have ever had, including the likes of squid wirth truffle oil, a superb foie gras, a very rare but sumptuous steak, plus a varied assortment of sushi dishes, far too many to mention. It was amazing, but it was very pricey (about £100 each). Couldn't complain about the price though as there were so many courses and so much food, and some of the courses were made with expensive ingredients so the cost was justified.

It wasn't traditional Japanese, and not what I was expecting but I was extremely pleasantly surprised. If I wanted sashimi etc I would go to Yo! Sushi. I cannot fault this place - even down to the waiter, who was very attentive and eager to help with the menu. Ideal for a special night out.
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Hannah
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Heard of Zuma back in New Zealand where they served this burger with wagyu beef. Decided that when we got to London to try this NZ beef that the Japanese seem mad about.

Took the girlfriend on her birthday to Zuma. Found out that they no longer did the wagyu burger but they did do wagyu steaks. Was a bit disappointed but afterwards was glad that we didn't have this beautiful beef stuck between a bread bun as originally planned. The wagyu was the most delicious piece of meat I've ever tasted. We ended up ordering two as sharing one wasn't enough (even at 60 pounds per steak). We also ordered squid which I'm not normally a fan off, and wow! The other dishes were of high quality too and the desert which the waiter recommended (which wasn't on the menu) topped one of the best dinners I've even tasted.

The service was excellent, the restaurant was laid out well and we had a great night all up. The only negative thing I can really say about Zuma is the price which was on the expensive side. In saying that, if we didn't order 2 lots of wagyu meat, the price probably wouldn't have been that bad but then for this type of food in London, it's not that surprising.

Overall rating: 9/10
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Dean Manning
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Sunday, March 04, 2007

I went to Zuma with three friends on a Sunday night as a special treat - given the reputation I thought it was a fitting venue. The ambience and layout of the restaurant are top-class. Not knowing the menu well, it took us quite long to order and the waitress was clearly annoyed and unwilling to help, making us feel quite unwelcome. The food was ok. For that price I expected a lot better. Honestly, the Nigiri and Maki I've had at ITSU are not much different and a tenth of the price. I would not waste my time going here if you like good Japanese food.
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RobH - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 2
Monday, January 29, 2007

An otherwise enjoyable experience was overshadowed by (the all to common) greedy server: As a table of four we order two beers, a sparkling water, and "a white wine", "Chardonnay?", "Yes please". So, when the server arrives, and immediately begins to open a bottle, we indicatied that we just wanted a glass. The server looked incredulous, but grudgingly agreed to pring a just one glsass.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 3
Tuesday, January 23, 2007