Chisou

Consistently very very good. I've eaten lunch here nearly a dozen times and have never been disappointed by anything they produce. The sushi is the best I've had in Mayfair. Their service has always been flawless. Those writing disappointed reviews below either encountered the place on a rare off day or have skewed expectations.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, June 26, 2009

EXCELLENT RESTAURANT !!

I've been trying Chisou Restaurant in years by Lunch and Dinner.

I work right by Oxford Circus so its really convenient for me to bring my buyers to Chisou. its not a cheap restaurant, I agree... But I had never regret bringing my friends, family or my important buyers to chisou because their food and service deserves to be paid at that cost. Now, my buyers asks me to make a reservation at Chisou prior to their visit. One of my buyer said chisou food was actually better than what he had in Tokyo business trip.. so its not my choice anymore... :)

one more thing... I often see famous celebrities coming to Chisou when I'm there having dinner. I can see why they come to Chisou. Great Food is a MUST of course! but more importantly, employees treat everybody equally the same.

Their service makes me feel like I'm just as important customer as celebrity on every visit !
Comment on this reader review

Marc
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 07, 2009

Paid Chisou a visit on the basis of the strength of the old reviews, and its rather pretty website; I'd noticed the newer, more critical comments but optimistically decided to disregard them.

Regrettable choice, as it turns out. Went at lunch and ordered chirashizushi. You could tell the fish might have been of better quality at some point in the past, but both the salmon and tuna were a disconcerting pale colour (two small slices of each) and the (one) ebi had that distinct, mushy mouthfeel that might be desirable in... peanut butter? But definitely not in ebi.

In addition to that we had three slices of octopus, two half-sticks of crabstick and a half-bowl of rice. Price was comparable to most other upper-scale places in the area (Mitsukoshi, Sakura) but for this kind of food-court fare, I'm not sure I'd have been worth it even at half price.

Not normally picky about service, but it was rushed (though the place was barely 1/3 full, even at 1pm - which says a lot too, I think, given the location) and unexpectedly rude. Atmosphere was acceptable, but that was about the only good aspect of the visit.

In any case, I will probably never, ever be coming here again - I wouldn't say "worst", but certainly the most lifeless and pathetic restaurant experiences I've had this year.
Comment on this reader review

Asha
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 1
Monday, April 20, 2009

This used to be one of our favorite japanese restaurants with great food and good service. Unfortunately our last 2 trips was extremely disappointing, as the level of service has declined tremendously and they have increased their prices to ridiculous amounts. A meal for 2 used to cost ~£100 until last autumn, but our last trip ended up costing £150, even though we ordered what we normally get.
View/Add comments (1)

Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Thursday, February 19, 2009

I was utterly disappointed at their poor customer service.

First, they lost my reservation and didn't even apologise once. Apparently there was another reservation with a customer with similar name so they mixed up but didn't accept it was their fault. The floor manager made a very unprofessional excuse (not because of her poor speaking skill but by all her attitude) and she asked if I my name was correct twice- who on the earth forget his/her own name?!

Second, they put us by the entrance door where was the most uncomfortable table. We have to close the door every time the customers/staff passed by.

Last, we made a complaint about the door and booking error at the end again then the floor manager said "I know, I know" and waved her hand like when people kick out a dog or something.

The food was OK. There are various things in the menu and nice presentation. But our day was totally ruined.
View/Add comments (1)

Mal
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Friday, January 30, 2009

I adore Japanese cuisine and over a number of years I've made it a mission to visit as many of the Japanese restaurants in London as possible. Many of them can be quite variable but Chisou is consistently one of the best. For authenticity and quality of food it is probably unrivaled. There's no point in highlighting a particular dish because they are all excellent. Lunch is an affordable regular event and dinner is simply wonderful. Please don't go there too often tho'. It's hard enough to get a table as it is!
Comment on this reader review

Rhodri Windsor
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, December 15, 2008

Brilliant set lunches, great sushi and no extreme fusion mess. Definitely going back.
Comment on this reader review

bellaphon
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, May 10, 2008

As a very picky sushi eater, I believe it is the best sushi place in london. I have been to all the posh japanese places around (Zuma, Nobu, Sumosan etc...) but Chisou is by far the best of all. Not mentioning the very attentionate staff (all of them are japonese by the way).

The place is small, cauzy and not pretentious at all. You go there for the food and the greetings of the WHOLE staff (including the sushi masters) when you leave. What a pleasure...

This is the best kept secret for sushis in London!
Comment on this reader review

WJ
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, March 13, 2008

A place to visit!

Service

I have been at Chisou for a while and have seen staff rotation a lot, including couple of managers. I must say that whoever comes always a hospital person. Food is beeing prepared in shortest terms delivered fast. Special thanks to the bar cheif, simply a good person!

Food

Definetely for food guru. Wide range of japanese cousine will not leave anyone unsatisfied. Check out tempura set.

Atmosphere

Quite, clean, warm colours walls and nice furniture will make you feel in Japan.

Value for money

Hard to say depends on customers income. Personally found prices acceptable, however could be lower.

Definetely would come there again with my japanese girlfriend.
Comment on this reader review

Alexander
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, December 13, 2007

I'm a Japanese and Chisou is one of my favourite Japanese restaurants in London. The food here has been consistently good and of high standards, and I have never been disappointed. I like the fact that unlike many Japanese restaurants in London, the atmosphere here is unpretentious and very much like a Japanese gastro-pub. The menu is extensive and interesting - the squid tempura is particularly good - and I think the price is very reasonable relative to the quality of the food. The staff are always friendly and pleasant. I highly recommend it.
Comment on this reader review

M
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, October 06, 2007