Donzoko

Disappointing, but maybe that's after being spoilt at better places.

No draft Japanese beers (or any beer on tap at all for that matter), which frankly is a joke for a place claiming to be an Izakaya. So I went for a small carafe of Saki, which was okay.

Started with some Nigirizushi, a peice each of Surf-clam (a little stale) and Yelowtail (reasonably fresh), and two pieces of Maguro (also a little stale), The rice way cloying and cold, the fish was cut to a reasonable standard, but not what you'd expect of any sushi chef. Mixed Tempura was not crisp, a little soggy to be quite frank.

Had a grapefruit Shochu Chuhai, saw it being poured, using supermarket grapefruit squash, and the Perrier did not fill to the top of the glass so they did not bother to top it off by opening a new bottle! When it arrived not only was it like drinking squash but also flat... not sparkling as Chuhai should be at all... They'd be better off buying Kirin cans of Chuhai!!

Finally Ton-Katsu, the pork in the Tonkatsu itself was far too tough, not marbled at all, sure there's hire and there's rosu, but this was some western cut of pork made for stewing...

The panko on it was actually pretty crisp, and the Tonkatsu sauce was really quite good.

Lest I mention the rice with the Katsu, rubbish, cold, too sticky, no flavor.

To top it off, some pretentious tourist kid reading 'Louis Vuitton's guide to London' and speaking pseudo-Japanese to the waitress (which she could not understand) (Saaaki saaashmeee, shi. Dieet cooke... cokaaa liteooo, waitress: aah Diet cola...) means I will not be returning anytime soon...
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, January 20, 2009

I visited this restaurant with my girlfriend on Valentine's Day this year thanks to some reviews on here. I was not disappointed. The day as a whole turned into a complete failure, some sort of bomb scare/passenger death on the trains, massive traffic in central, and a puncture right outside the restaurant!

However, I rang them a few times and let them know what was happening and they were more than willing to keep the table for us. Which was a nice surprise when we turned up, since the place was full. We were told when we sat down that as we were so late, the kitchen was closing in 30 mins so unfortunately we would have to order everything together.

I don't remember everything we ate but I did order the "top price" Sashimi and "medium price" Sushi platter after reading that 3 people shared one on another review here. They were outstanding, despite it being 10pm, they were delightfully fresh and we both enjoyed them. I remember that main course was similarly delicious, and everything was perfectly served. There was no rudeness or brashness, also despite our waitress speaking minimal English there was no confusion or mis-understandings. The bill was hurried over when requested but then we were one of the last ones in there....!

I really liked the "breakfast bar", which lets you look right into the kitchen while eating. Some prefer to be completely separated but if you're the nosy kind then a seat at the bar would be ideal. Didn't get to sample any drinks, but there was a big selection.

It cost £60 for two of us but we ate ALOT, and I was not interested in price since it was, ahem, Valentine's Day. If you're happy spending £60 on dinner for two you will really enjoy the food. It is worth a lot more than that.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, December 01, 2008

Very rude and unhelpful staff. I have lived in Japan and been fortunate enough to enjoy good food and service from many places, but Donzoko is definitely one to avoid and not a good example of Japanese food or etiquette.
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Jon
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, July 25, 2008

Distinctly average. i've lived in tokyo for several years and i visit london japanese restaurants regularly. this place is very average. all the right dishes are there, but the execution is off.
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tom
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Firstly, we were told that we only had an hour to eat, which was fine since it was a Friday. After 20 minutes of ordering our food and since the portions were smaller than expected, we decided we should order more dishes. What was disappointing was that we were denied that option since our table was only for an hour. But it was only after 20 minutes. It seemed like they just wanted us to leave as soon as possible and proved right when we asked for the bill. The waiter did not look at us when we got the bill and after we paid. I thought that was very rude and overall very disappointed.
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310 - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Monday, June 09, 2008

A real Japanese experience, Izakaya style and outstanding value for money. Great menu with incredible selection, sushi and sashimi is among the best in london, tempura batter as light as can be and a great selection of japanese sochu. It is informal and cosy, and all about the food which is quite refreshing as japanese eateries in London tend to be alot about the glossy interiors. It is a very small restaurant, usually filled with japanese clientel, and you must be prepared to wait for a table. The service is efficient though not particularly amicable, though the slightly scary mama-san is unintentionally quite entertaining. Highly recommended!
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Deirdre
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, May 16, 2008

Stunning food. Particularly the sashimi which is as fresh as can be. The menu is massive and a bit overwhelming at first glance, but you can't go wrong with the sushi and sashimi platters which come in three grades. Three of us shared the "superior" one (the middle grade - £20 or so) of each. Made for a perfect dinner with the addition of miso soup and some dumplings.

The service/surroundings etc aren't exactly amazing, but then they're sort of beside the point. It's not Nobu, but in many ways that's quite a good thing. More space in the broom cupboard for a start.
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James
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, March 26, 2008

regular for lunch superb authentic quality food - check out the soft shell crab.
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jonathan salt
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, March 01, 2008

I'm Japanese and I can tell you that this is a very good value Izakaya style restaurant. Varied menu, good food, brilliant Japanese cocktail menu, good service and good value. Excellent location too.
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MM
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, October 22, 2007

Freshest sushi I've had in London. I've eaten here 3 times and it's always been great.
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Ben
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, July 02, 2007