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
8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Monday, April 13, 2009