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Jin Kichi

73 Heath Street, NW3 6UG Full details & map

Grill: Japanese

Jin Kichi - © Heloise Bergman

Time Out says 6 Users say 5/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 20 2011

Even on Tuesday lunchtime it's wise to book here, for Jin Kichi is popular with local mums, workers and Hampstead's fraternity of resting actors. It only takes someone walking in to make a reservation for the snug dimensions to feel cramped.

Decor is traditional, with framed Japanese prints, myriad paper lanterns, and humble furniture set around a Formica-topped bar, though the staff (perhaps also resting actors) are fashionable chaps in lean black T-shirts and long aprons.

The kitchen is known for its kushiyaki (grilled skewers), but the menu spans the gamut of Japanese cuisine, from sushi and noodles to simmered dishes and red bean cakes. The chef expertly works the central grill, using his bare hands to feel and shift the ingredients (ox tongue, quails' eggs and chicken gizzards among them), testing to see if they're done.

Choose a skewer set to narrow the options; ours arrived (we wish a little quicker) with a majestic king prawn the luxurious centrepiece, but it was the chicken meatballs, pork and shiso rolls, and tangy, bacon-wrapped asparagus that wowed the taste buds. Yaki nasu was another winner, the pristine aubergine flesh devoid of bitterness, the generous topping of bonito flakes waving ethereally. A good place to know.

Tags: Asian, Japanese, North West, Hampstead, Budget, Restaurant, Grill

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Jin Kichi details

Address

Jin Kichi

73 Heath Street NW3 6UG

Transport Hampstead tube

Telephone

020 7794 6158

Jin Kichi website

Lunch served 12.30-2pm Tue-Sun. Dinner served 6-10.45pm Tue-Sat; 6-10pm Sun

Main courses £14-£16. Set lunch £9-£17

Credit cards AmEx, MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking advisable, Takeaway service

Jin Kichi map

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Comments & ratings 5/5 (Average of 6 ratings)

By saya - Nov 15 2011

3/5

Authentic taste, good range of traditional Japanese cuisine. Reasonably priced. Nice decor and interior - like a tiny izakaya you would find in Japan (but cleaner). Run by Japanese so they know what they are doing and only provide high quality food. Low point: despite the appealing interior, staff look stressed, uptight, slightly rude - poor service.

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By kenski - Jul 26 2011

5/5

That’s a shame to hear a few negative comments about the local Jin Kichi, I’ve been going for over 8 years now and the staff have slowly changed of this period, the owners remain the same dedicated to serving good food. The food is still excellent and authentic Japanese. I feel it is priced reasonably for such food. Slight worrying to hear the service slipping. Value wise, it’s about £30-£45 ahead for food. Compared to Nobu and Zuma which is 60-95 ahead with very poor service (with people who neither speak Japanese or English). General if one is unhappy with the bill, service is removed. Black cod £35 Nobu, Jin Kichi £14, honestly. This is 5 stars small, friendly local excellent quality food.

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By Sue - Nov 22 2010

First of all I can't believe Time Out only gave this place 3 stars. It deserves 5 (at least!). I have lived in London all my life and this is by far my favourite restaurant. (and I have quite a discerning palate).I have been back here dozens of times and it's always excellent. The flavours are exquisite, and contrary to the first comment, not once have I experienced bad service. Try the grilled aubergine with bonito flakes, the duck skewers with spring onion, and the french beans with black sesame paste!

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By Ouwei1 - Oct 14 2010

My best friend, being Japanese, is picky about the cuisine. She introduced me to this restaurant recently, as I am a great fan of food! I love it, it is the best sushi I have had, and the best her mother (who is Japanese as well) has found in her +10 years in London. The fish is great quality and you can taste it. I have met one of the chefs from there and everything they make is from the best quality products, completely fresh. Though it may have been criticised for the cramped tables, it is pleasant to hear the babble of Japanese (as most of their costumers are Japanese). Everyone is lovely and I certainly have never experienced them being rude in my 5 visits. I would strongly recommend it! Don't let the bad comments deceive you about this excellent and atmospheric restaurant!