Wakaba

We came from SW London and it was worth the journey. I love the John Pawson minimalist decor (one of the greats of the genre), and the food was outstanding. Apart from wonderful fresh sushi and sashimi, there is an extensive menu to suit every taste (my 11 year old son has never eaten so much!), and friendly, helpful staff. No good Japanese restaurant will be inexpensive, but this was more than value for money. An experience to be repeated.
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Robert Arthur
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, April 15, 2007

Although awful to sit in, this is proper japanese food, and they do take away.

Tonkatsu reminds me of family holidays to Tokyo....

Soft shell crab tempura rolls are to die for

and unagi, toro and sake nigiri are top class....

People complain about the price, but they forget this is Japanese cusine, and for less than 20 pounds, I can get myself a Tonkatsu, and soft shell crab rolls, as well as a four pack of Asahi from Waitrose opposite, add to that a pound tube fare and I'm home in SJW for an amazing meal under 20 pounds!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, March 21, 2007

They *have* to learn to cut their fish better. Been twice and every time the sushi looks like a dog gnawed on it and I've been given the leftovers.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Monday, March 12, 2007

Went last week. Spartan is not the word for the decor, minimalistic would be overplaying it a bit as well. Felt like we were in a canteen, and when we were the last table there at 10pm on a Saturday, it felt rather uncomfortable. Probably better at lunchtime with a bit of light.

Food was good though. Sushi was to a high standard and fresh. We had the Yosenabe hotpot (cook at the table) which is often a good guide to whether they know what they are doing. The ingredients were fresh though not plentiful. At the end, one usually finishes off the remaining boiled down delicious stock with some rice thrown into it with a beaten egg and spring onions. We were rather surprised that this did not happen, and when we asked where the rice was, they looked at us rather surprised. Language was a problem, but when we got over this hurdle, we were told that although they would normally do this in Japan, they did not do it there! We would have to pay extra for the rice and also for the egg (after having payed £25 for the Yosenabe itself). We told them that it seemed a bit odd that the rice is a standard item in Japan and in other restaurants, but not theirs. Finally, they relented and gave us the rice and egg free of charge (we presume as the bill was not itemised).

All in all, a bit disappointing for £80 for two. Won't be putting this on our favourites list.
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Wokhei - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Wakaba is a brilliant restaurant and although some might say the decor is questionable, I feel it adds to the atmosphere. I love the lunch time buffet menu and the staff are very friendly and approachable. I go there with my fellow students atleast once a week as we tend to suffer from major withdrawl symptoms from the lovely food. I would recommend wakaba to anyone!
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Anisha
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, November 27, 2006

Was looking for somewhere new for dinner, and a search for local Japenese food revealed this place. Initially we came here to avoid having to go to Yo Sushi - it's rare we get Japanese so I wanted somewhere slightly better than Yo. Not only did we get somewhere better, we got a culinary treat that will have me ranting about this place for months to come, no doubt !

The menu initially looked pricy, but I dived in an ordered a 32 pounds Wakaba dinner - the largest on the menu. What followed where several dishes, each well prepared and tasting as good as the fine presentation they offered. This was truely a Japanese banquet I had ordered. My partner's slightly more modestly priced dinner proved to be a challenge for her appetite as well. We dined and drank well for around 40 quid a head - but you could come here and have a modest japanese meal for much less.

The service was polite, efficient and well-paced - things I had long given up on in many UK restuarants. The atmosphere was somewhat bland, you are eating on plain tables in a brightly lit white room, but this did not bother me, esp. once I saw the incredible food. I imagine someone looking for a dimly lit, romantic meal might want to think twice. But if you wish to impress a date with the quality of food, this is the place. Better then Nobu ? No idea, I've never been, but I could believe it.

In short - if you like japanese - try this place. It's right next to the tube station, so really easy to get to, and with the frosted glass front window, it feels well secluded from the busy Finchley road outside.
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Ben Turner
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, October 02, 2006

Excellent Japanese food, the best in town. Some of the dishes are really unique to this restaurant. Food is as fresh as it comes, and as authentic as it comes. Used to live 2 minutes walk from it and it was our ‘Local’. Could do with a little decor, and improve the feeling, but this minimalist styling works very well with the type of food. All types of sushi a really exceptional.
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rafi Ilivitzky
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 11, 2006

Wakaba is really a great restaurant, so I don't understand the tepid reviews written by others. First, Wakaba offers truly authentic Japanese food that you won't find elsewhere, all of which has been delicious. Especially good are the sushi, grilled fish, and various beef hot pots. Second, Wakaba's service is great, even if their English is limited. Only drawback is the decor, which is minimalist, though authentic. Though we haven't tried the lunch buffet, the dinner menu is excellent and reasonably priced given the authentic delicous Japanese food.
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Dan Hersson
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, May 02, 2006

This is our favorite Japanese restaurant in town! Which is saying alot given that this accolade used to be reserved for Nobu, which we used to frequent every other month, until we took the plunge and entered the unassuming premises of Wakaba. Sure, the decor isn't as nice and it s quiet, but if you're keeping it real and looking for a really authentic dinner with an emphasis on GREAT food, this is your place.

My wife lived in Japan for 7 years and says that this is the restaurant getting closest to authentic Japanese cooking.

Don't mean to dis the other reviewers but maybe their culinary tastes are more attuned to Waga's than real tasty Japanese food.
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Dan
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Saturday, April 22, 2006

Excellent Food although the atmosphere is not the best. Minimalist approach to decoration is interesting. Lunch buffet at 6£ is really good value for money for such a level of japanese food.
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Stamatios K.
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 9
Friday, December 16, 2005