Jin Kichi

Finally tried this last night - it's one of the most authentic Japanese dining experiences I've had outside Japan. Recent low ratings evidently come from people who have no idea what they're talking about (not knowing the difference between teriyaki and yakitori is a bit of a hint in one of the 2-starred ones down there).

Is it high glam and posh? No - but that's precisely the point. This isn't some Michelin-starred wannabe, all style over substance, but proper Japanese food done in the Japanese style - like any number of those those little places tucked away down side alleys you find in any Japanese town. It's also rare to combine quality sushi and kushiyaki in one place, or to have such a diverse menu all prepared to near perfection.

Yes, if you're used to Wagamama or Yo Sushi this may be a little confusing - but it's well worth broadening your horizons. And if you must be a snob about it, keep your ignorant opinions to yourself.
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クリブー
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, April 15, 2013

Very very poor service!
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- View all reviews by this user
3 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Monday, February 25, 2013

It's hard to understand why this place gets such good reviews, undoubtedly living on its past but totally past it now. It's a poky, scruffy little room with tables far too close together; a bunch of clueless waiting staff; and the food is frankly pretty mediocre. Someone needs to tell the person preparing the sashimi that it's not meant to have bones in it (really). And the skewers are all pretty revolting - smothered in a nasty sugary gloop that purports to be teryaki.

Best avoided.
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city luncher - View all reviews by this user
2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Food is good but quite pricey.

Have been coming here for several years after moving into this area. the deterioration of service prompts me to leave a few comments.

Service has become exceptionally bad and comparable to the cheapest eateries in China Town. Not pleasant at all to eat here when waitresses (surprisingly Japanese, shame) show impatience and throw the plates on your small table. At times pretty impolte on the phone as well. Generally not fussy at all with service but a tiny place like this makes atmosphere oppressed and uncomfortable. If you are only two people (with early booking) they will even squeeze you into one of the two worst corners, i.e. one under the attic outside the toilet, the other at the basement opposite the stairs. not sure why these corners shood be utilised for customers at all given that prices here are not cheap.

Unlike other Japanese restaurants, this restaurant doesnt say thank you or good bye to you when you finish and leave. I see tha customers alway have to turn and thank the restaurant for the mercy for having them here.

Not a very welcoming place.

i think they should seriously work on their service. Very disappointed and suggestions to an authentic Japanese restaurant in north london will be gratefully received.
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2 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Sunday, April 01, 2012

i often go to JIN after a long walk on the Heath. It is pure joy, (albeit the oh-so up themselves Hampstead diners). Here, Japanese food has been cooked (or not-) for the best part of 20 years and this tiny place on Heath Street is a veritable monument of Japanese cooking.
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Jackson Dallas - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, February 07, 2012

i think that u have to pay for everything u consume in a restaurant.I love the place everyone is great and the food is like in Tokio....no question.they do not need customer like u eat enjoi pay and go ....like all of us.....ciao UMBERTO SW3
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UMBERTO SCOMPARIN - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My wife (Japanese) and I have been regular visitors over the past few years. Always enjoy it - never had a bad experience. My favourite japanese restaurant in London. Very informal cafe type place, like many places in Japan. Sit at the counter for the best atmosphere (although as well as the view of the grill you do also have a view of a pile of washing up...). Book in advance and turn up on time - it's small and I'm sure they can't afford to lose covers.

Go for the skewers, that's their speciality after all and the best in London - but many of the other side dishes are also great. Yaki Nasu, Saba Shio, Maguro Natto and also love the Ume Shiso maki. If you are feeling flush I would wash it down with a bit of Japanese rice wine - or enjoy a Yebisu beer. My wife's relatives visited last month from Tokyo and were very impressed - made them feel really at home. We've also taken Japanese friends here and everyone has left more than satisfied. Only downside is that with food this good we can eat a lot and it sometimes adds up to a bigger bill than expected...
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9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Thursday, August 11, 2011

Jin Kichi has always been a bustling, friendly no nonsense restaurant. The food is good especialy the skewers from the grill, but after being charged £1 (out of a total bill of £196) for some Tempura sauce - I think they have gotten too greedy and short sighted. If I'd noticed this rip off before paying the bill, I would have deducted from the included service, as it is, I will never return.
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wayno
3 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Monday, April 11, 2011

I had been to Jin Kichi before with a friend and enjoyed our meal very much and thought it was well priced however, thought the waiting staff were somewhat rude.

We had then made a reservation for our wedding anniversary and we were running 15 mins late and when we got there, they were exceptionally rude to us and said your too late and there are no tables free. Five minutes later a group of people also arrived 15 minutes late and were escorted to their table downstairs. We asked if we could wait until a table was free and the man said "No" we have no room for you and opened the door and told us to leave. After such terrible treatment we will never return again.
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Kai
5 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 7
Friday, August 13, 2010