Tsuru (Bishopsgate)

I recently ate here on a Friday evening about 8.30, I did not book and there was plenty of room.

The service was attentive from when I walked in and continued to be so throughout my meal.

I had the edamame as an appetiser, very good value a large bowl and perfectly cooked, went very well with the icy cold Asahi.

I followed this with the Sashimi Moiawase, the selection of fish was execllent and plentifull and would easily be adequate for 2 people.

I then tried some Nigiri Sushi - Tuna, Sea Bass and Prawn, quality and presentation for both Sashimi and sushi were first class.

All this was washed down with some hot sake.

I live in Australia where we are very fortunate to have the freshest of seafood and this excellent establishment is up ther with the best. Highly recommend this for quality service and value.
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Richard M
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Sashimi moriawase £14.25 - Sliced just right that the sashimi is silky and smooth, it was eaten with pleasure.

Soft shell ‘spider’ crab tempura uramaki £8.45 - The soft shell crab tempura was a little greasy which took away the nice crispy crunch associated with this.

Edamame £2.6 - The edamame is standard fare and does well as an appetiser or if you just can't get enough of them.

Pork and vegetable gyoza £4.75 -£5.75 - I tried both the pork and vegetable gyoza and both are delicious juicy little parcels.

Aburi Saba - Seared cured mackerel sashimi with English mustard £5.1 - The smell and taste of mackerel is quite strong and if you don't like mackerel or strong fish smells, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise, I like the mustard and mackerel combination, it is not the usual pairing but I guess you need a strong condiment like mustard to match the mackerel.

Nasu Dengaku £4.75 - The very first time I had the nasu Dengaku here in Tsuru, it was the best that I've ever had. The aubergine was so soft that it was almost melting in your mouth. The sweet and savoury combination of the caramelised miso engulfs you with it's scent and was just to die for.

Sadly, that seems to have been the only time that it was THAT good in Tsuru or anywhere else I've tried. Im beginning to wonder whether the chef has changed.

Tonkatsu curry £8.20 - I've had the the tonkatsu curry a few times and it seems to suffer from consistency issues. It was just right the first time, the second time was too salty and the third time too bland?!

Mochi Ice (Green tea, yuzu, sesame) £3.85 - This always hits the spot with my favourite surprisingly being the yuzu.

Strangely, the standards seems to drop just that little bit more with each time that I come back.
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Chopstix2Steaknives - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Monday, October 17, 2011

This is a recent discovery for me and is fast becoming a lunchtime favourite. I love the canteen-style space with its high stools and origami cranes fluttering over head. The staff are always friendly and helpful and the food is fresh, simple and great to eat-in or take-out. I'm hooked on their katsu curry but the teriyaki and sushi boxes are good too. It's lovely in the evening too - very relaxed and informal - and the menu expands to include crisp tempura prawns, tasty little gyoza, miso aubergine and chicken karaage. Just lovely.
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-K- - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, November 23, 2010