May as well get a confession out of the way here, I'm not a big fan of sushi. Never have been to tell the truth, I just think it's an awful lot of fuss over something not that remarkable. Still, when an overseas restaurant chain (in this case from Copenhagen) decides to open it's first UK outlet in Wimbledon, the least you can do is give it a go.
It's location is at the bottom of Wimbledon Hill Road which potentially ain't a bad spot (as I should know), but it IS hidden behind a busy little bus stop which means you've got to kind of know where you're going. You do get the odd disgruntled bus punter sitting on the window ledge outside while they wait for the promised but never arriving 93, and presumeably to counteract the distraction they keep the restaurant lights quite low. Also and I don't know if this is deliberate or not, the signage is very understated and as a result of all this you could quite easily miss it if you don't know where you're going. Anyway, it's just up from Wagamamas if you're looking for directions.
When you get in the door, they'll all shout something at you in unision. DON'T think they've mistaken you for a character from The Usual Suspects or that they think you are dealing drugs, it just sounds like "KaiserSose" or "Sensimillion" but in fact is neither. What it actually is, is comething completely unintelligable which means "welcome to my house" in Japanese (I know because I asked, which is what I suspect the whole thing is all about). It's good natured and harmless enough, but as neither you nor they are Japanese it does seem a tad odd, but maybe that's just me.
The restaurant itself is beautifully fitted out, spacious but warm with clean lines and an interesting "brick" curtain which mirrors the real brick wall opposite. The menu has helpful photos of lots of different types of sushi, and lots of "sticks" which are little Teryaki thingies. You can buy them in made up platters, or you can make your own up. Drinks wise you can have a selection of beers and wines, plus soft drinks and "Yellow juice" which one of the kids had. This has got carrots in it and no doubt other healthy stuff, and is flippin lovely. They also do other coloured juice, probably green and red but don't quote me on it. I'd go for yellow anyway, the others simply can't be nicer than that. Also they have a kids section of the menu which is ideal. If you order a kids meal it comes in a little box with sections, and my kids thought it was utterly brilliant. One of my kids said "I think this is the best restaurant in the World Daddy", and while I think she might be over-stating it a fraction it certainly is very good.
Both times I've been now I've had some edamame beans to start. They do a kind of plain salted version and one that has this dressing on. Naturally I'd advocate getting both as they are excellent, but the "with dressing" ones are absolutely out of this world. Quick tip-they give you a hot towel at the START of the meal, keep it because you'll need it as you go along. Both times I've been I've had a vegetable salad with tofu (and I never thought I'd say that) and that's fantastic too. I don't go a bundle on sushi as I've said, so I generally get three or four sticks and hoover up any leftovers on the sticky rice and fish department. The sticks are great, all of them (to be truthful I can't remember any particular ones, they're all good) and the sushi is nice too as sushi goes. They do these little things which look like prawns wrapped in rice crispies (I think they're called Ebby bites or something) which are brill, and shedloads of other stuff which I haven't tried yet. I cannot speak highly enough of the food, it really is absolutely superb.
The service is great (we've been twice now and it's been top notch both times). Despite the fact that they roar Japanese greetings at anyone within earshot, the servers really are extremely nice and lovely people. They know the menu and are very helpful when you're ordering, plus they're smashing with the kids and are generally smiley and bubblicious.
My kids loved the toilets (there's a slight twist which I won't spoil for you here) and insisted on dragging me in there to have a look. They also loved the kitchen, as one of the lovely waitresses (the one with the scarf on) offered to take them in and show them around. The waitress with the scarf was one of the one or two Danish staff which they have wisely sprinkled around in order presumeably to instill the culture of the place into the new staff. These people are stand out fantastic, and it'll be a challenge to replicate what they bring to the table should they head off back in the land of the vikings. Another challenge is going to be how well the restaurant will cope with the crowds which I have absolutely no doubts will flock to the place. How quickly they can spin tables, satisfy bookings etc is going to be pivotal.
Through no fault of theirs there's also going to be the issue of kids too. Here, I'm going to come away from the review for a second and give the people of South West London a message....Take your kids to restaurants and pubs by all means, BUT IT'S NOT OK TO HAVE THEM RUNNING AROUND LIKE LUNATICS!!. There, someone had to say it but for heavens sake, lets let people do their jobs properly and let people eat their meals properly. Few things are more distacting than being asked "what are you doing?" while you've got a mouthful of food by someone else's six year old. We all think our kids are cool (and they are) but lets keep them sitting at OUR table (and these people do give you the obligatory colouring sheets and pencils to keep the ankle biters occupied). Anyway I've said it now, but come on public get it sorted.
We had some desserts. The kids had a bowl of ice cream (beautiful ice cream too) wish a chocolate fish in it, we had a cappucino cup with some souffle thing which was divine also. There is a 12.5% service charge (grrrrr) but I did ask the servers and they assure me that they DO get it. They are worth every penny, and I for one would have left a bit more.
All in all, I couldn't recommend this restaurant highly enough, it is utterly fantastic. The food is tip top and the service is superb. Go, today.
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