Wakaba

Been to Wakaba a couple of times - personally I love the ultra-minimalist look of the place (yes, the paint is chipped in places but the white on white works for me). The service has always been excellent and the fact its always full of London based Japanese (as opposed to westerners after a california roll and a greasy teriyaki) speaks volumes!

The food is simply incredible - totally 100% authentic Japanese - the menu isn't at all tarted up to cater to softcore Yo Sushi goers - its just super fresh ingredients prepared as simply as possible. They let the ingredients speak for themselves and they really do!

The sashimi is about as good as it gets outside Japan - the very very best tuna, toro, yellowtail etc. Big generous slices of absolute prime-cut sahimi grade fish. The sushi is good too - but don't expect fusiony california style rolls - order nigiri or traditional rolled sushi and it won't disappoint.

If you're looking for heavily flavoured fushion Japanese thats been flavoured up for a western pallate go look elsewhere - this is authentic Japanese cooking where its the subtle flavours of the 1st class ingredients that steal the show with no need for heavily flavoured sauces and marinades.

The only thing that keeps me from eating at Wakaba more regularly is the price - its pretty expensive but then again if you're getting prime grade sashimi fish then you can only expect to pay a pretty penny. The price of the fish dishes reflects the quality of the fish they buy in.

Other than the fish - the noodle dishes are simply and delicately flavoured and the tempura and teriyaki are pretty good too. But the star of the show is the sushi and sashimi.

If you like real japanese food you'll love this place - if you think you like japanese food but actually like the overflavoured offerings and busy atmosphere of Hi Sushi/Yo Sushi go elsewhere!
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Ed Cohen
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 13, 2009

Interior is indeed tired and chipped. But the food could not be more authentic. Hence the mostly Japanese clientele. None but Jap. dishes found on the menu. Staff very sweet and friendly. Gem on awful Finchley rd. if you truly appreciate Japanese food. Nov '08
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mvb
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 7
Sunday, November 09, 2008

Visited with Partner today 9th October 2008 Minimalist Decor that is tired and in many places such as the walls dirty with chipped plaster and smeared patches.

Food from the Buffet mainly fried, greasy and unintersting.Not typically Japanese more of an Oriental Mish-Mash.£2.90 per can of Sapporo beer seemed excessive.

Overall very disappointing. Should have gone to Yo Sushi across the road.

Wont be going back again... Ever
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M.Taylor
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Thursday, October 09, 2008

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