So Restaurant

A near-perfect meal! I can tire of raw fish atop a wad of rice, and SO offers so much more -- vibrant taste, absolutely fresh and a delight for the eye.

Other reviewers are correct in recommending the fried lotus chips with garlic mayo --served exquisitely in a brown paper bag -- crisp and delicate. The duck and walnut salad offered a harmonious array of tastes and textures, and the duck pieces were lean and tender. The fried soft shell crab "spider roll" looked like festive little party hats, each bite a blend of crisp, soft and crunchy textures. The black cod felt was so moist and tender, it was almost creamy; I could have eaten a second helping. The wait staff was polite and professional and the ambiance coolly serene.

Top marks to this one!
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Bagan
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Went with my wife on Saturday 17th (My Birthday). Arrived late, no problem. Ordered the most expensive set meal and sat and enjoyed 5 courses. (only the ice cream was an acquired taste!!)

Good wine as well and helpful staff.

Then the bill, complete with an unexpected £50.00 off, some early eaters offer prehaps.

Paid and left, very happy, wonderful and would definately go again.
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Andrew Roberts
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

I am a vegetarian amd was not keen on going to a sushi restaurant as I have been before and found it very unsatisfying. However I decided to take my boyfriend out for dinner and Sushi is a favourite for him. We arrived 10mins late due to my boyf finishing work late, but had called to inform them. We were concerened as they had said they would be cloisng their kitchens. We arrived and to our surprise they had left the kitchen open for us. We sat down at our table and had a lovley view of the kitchen and the head chef preparing our dinner. I am not a fan of set menus but decided to order one as I thought it had a good variety off the menu. The waiter was very pleasant and introduced each course to us and answered all my silly questions politely about the ingrediants in the

dishes. My boyf had ordered black cod and said it was absolutely fantastic and well prepared, the best he had tasted. I loved my meal, I found the miso soup an aquired taste but all in all it was a delicious meal. We walked out feeling full and contented with the service, food and ambience.I would recommend this restaurant to vegetarians and sushi lovers alike.
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PRIYA
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, December 15, 2006

A great place, this, and a real gem for the location.

OH and I visited last Saturday evening, and had a fantastic meal. We opted for one of the 'set course' (Ichuo) meals, preceded by some deep-fried crispy lotus root slices.

Everything was faultless, delicious, and beautifully presented throughout. Japanese, for sure, but with some interesting 'twists', too, from time to time. Excellent, imaginative cooking, all done to precision.

But it needs customers! Hopefully, it's just a matter of time before word gets around, but when we were there (between 7.30 and 9.30) there were only 4 or 5 other tables taken. A real shame, this, as it deserves to be packed.

Still - we benefitted, as it meant we had a nice, quiet time, and were able to enjoy our meal to the full!

Prices are very reasonable, too, especially given the standard of the cooking.

We've just returned from a holiday in Japan, and this place more than lived up to the standards we came to expect there.

Go!
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HP
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, November 28, 2006

I finally found a place I can really appreciate after 3.5 years since I moved from Tokyo to this country. Food was excellent even to the palate spoiled in Tokyo for too many years. It is not cheap but still at a level I can enjoy without guilt.

Before this place, Japanese restaurants in London were classified roughly into the following two with only a few exceptions: 1) Japanese eqivalent of "Cafe Rouge" or "Witherspoon." There is nothing wrong about them except the fact that their lunch costs at least 20 pounds. I know they must import ingredients by air that means extra cost, but I had been frustrated having to pay as much as I do for a posh lunch in Aoyama or Ginza for food with the quality you would expect in a Japanese shopping mall or an airport; 2) Places which charge you, again, at least 20 pounds for lunch and the food they call "Japanese" is delicious but nothing I have ever seen in my life, most of which spent in Japan. I think the shefs have gone too far or they have never been to Japan to taste real Japanese food. (I think you must learn the basics before moving onto the next step.)

"So Restaurant" does not fall into either of the above. Food is authentic with a touch of creativity. Not too imaginative, not too boring down-to-the-earth. It is a kind of food young and professional Tokyoans in their late 20's - 40's would eat when they go out with friends after work or for special lunch on Friday.

Try their home-made "Hoji-cha" (toasted green tea) ice cream and you cannot go back to Haagen Daz Green Tea ice cream!!
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Babelbabe
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Hey what scrummy food, we've eaten there a couple of times, once for the set dinner with really delicious salmon and turbot carpaccio which was great. Also for lunch, the set rice and tereyaki salmon all in an elegant wooden box was so good and great value. Not too noisy at lunchtime so good for a working lunch, I'll go again.
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Jim Crow
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, July 04, 2006

I have eaten at So a couple of times and been really impressed on both occasions. On my first visit I sampled the Chicken lunch set…the food and the presentation were outstanding and offered great value for money. Having been so impressed with the lunches I decided to take my wife for dinner, again it was a very enjoyable experience. The staff were very helpful in recommending dishes and wines and were extremely friendly throughout the evening. Although the restaurant wasn’t busy we really enjoyed the relaxing ambiance, and it was nice not to be forced out in two hours like you are in most popular places these days. Food again was superb, I highly recommend the Sashimi Carpaccio, the mixed tempura and the Lamb grilled over the volcanic rocks from Mt. Fuji. My wife was very pleased with her pumpkin Crème Caramel too.

Highly recommended and cant wait to go back soon!
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John Mitchell
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Have now eaten at So a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed it. Food was excellent - not cheap but good value. Service was cheerful and knowledgeable.

Looking forward to going back soon.
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Mike Brady
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, June 28, 2006

We stumbled upon this place one evening walking down from Soho to Piccadilly. Cool loungy feel interior, course menu was good value and the Japanese waitress seemed to have a clue which is rare for staff in general these days. Another waiter was quite passionate when talking about the wine and offered to pair wine by the glass to match the course. Overall we had a good time. Unfortunately the restaurant was not busy thus lacked a bit of a vibe. Worth another try though.
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MC
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, June 27, 2006

I organised a Customer night out at SO Restaurant for 20 people. The food was fantastic as was the atmosphere. All my clients commented on the high standard of the food and Service. I would recommend this Restaurant to anyone not only because of the food but also because of the perfect location in Soho. I am looking forward to taking my wife!!
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Mark Morelli
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, June 21, 2006