Restaurants

Tsunami, like its unfortunate name, is something of a surprise. Located off a grey Clapham side street, its airy, clean-lined space, mirrors and white walls would look more at home on a swanky West End stretch. The food gives a nod to major central London players such as Nobu and Zuma , but thankfully doesn’t follow suit with its prices. Well-executed Asian-themed cocktails include the tiny but delectable oyster shooter: a glass containing an oyster immersed in saké and a quail’s egg yolk. We ordered from the extensive menu of sushi, sashimi, tempura and rice dishes. Meltingly soft yellowtail sashimi came with a taste bud-tingling ponzu sauce; black cod in miso was succulent and smoky; and soft-shell crab rolls burst with freshness. Plump, sticky rice and a fine miso soup proved Tsunami can cut the mustard on the basics too. Our desserts were pleasant if not spectacular. Service was unfailingly courteous and discreet. During the evening, a young crowd trickled in and the atmosphere livened up, but the room can get seriously noisy thanks to its bare concrete floor.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008