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Time Out says 4 Users say Rate it
Here's a tip if you're into creative Japanese cuisine - ignore the menu displayed at Nizuni's entrance. As a pared down version of the actual carte, it omits more interesting dishes the kitchen is capable of while highlighting fairly standard, safe Japanese fare that appeals to novices.
But have faith, because there is far more to Nizuni than is revealed at this first juncture.
Nizuni is not a strictly traditional Japanese restaurant. Owned by the same people who run the Korean restaurant Koba just around the corner, ingredients such as gochujang (hot chilli paste) and doenjang (Korean miso) are subtly and successfully integrated into some dishes.
And there are flashes of Mediterranean influences too, with the use of balsamic syrup to cut through a beautifully creamy butterfish tataki, or garnishes such as gherkins, capers and pomegranate arils in meat dishes and salads.
The list of appetisers is the most captivating, with various traditional izakaya-style items mixing with more creative dishes.
Lightly seared octopus slices in a tart and savoury tosazu sauce (a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce and dried bonito fish shavings) was intricately arranged and had a delicate, yet lingering, flavour. Curls of red seaweed, shredded cucumber and flecks of lemon zest were all smart additions to the dish.
The sushi is well made, and a benchmark dish of uni (sea urchin) spoke reassuringly of decent sourcing - the creamy roe lacked the musky, fishy odour of less-than-fresh versions, and tasted clean and sweet. Salmon skin and spring onion rolls, drizzled with a mild chilli paste-spiked mayo, were equally delectable.
We'd love to award the last remaining star for the excellent dessert menu - one to challenge nearby Roka's innovative creations - but we were told that they had been bought in from a supplier in France.
Still, we were happy with the zingy yuzu and cranberry tart, and the teeth-sticker of a sweet chestnut pudding-cake with bitter matcha (green tea) ice cream.
While we were waiting for the food to arrive, we had time to admire the room, a simple space punctuated by paper lanterns and images of nature (swimming carp, cranes in flight).
The old building was completely refurbished from top to bottom - no expenses spared, it seems - thus the year-long wait for the grand opening.
The stylish basement bar, when it opens, will be perfect for saké swilling and canoodling underneath coy photographic prints of the exposed necks of geishas; there's also a sleek upstairs dining room.
In Japan, koinobori (carp-shaped streamers, or wind socks) are a symbol of determination and strength, and Nizuni have taken it as their mascot. It does seem apt, considering the tireless effort and care that has gone into realising a restaurant that has been so long in the making.
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Nizuni details
Follow Nizuni to receive updates on special offers here.
What is 'following'?020 7580 7447
Lunch served noon-3pm Mon-Sat. Dinner served 6-10.45pm daily
Main courses £8-£15. Set lunch £8-£13
Credit cards AmEx, MC, V
Facilities
Tables outdoors ( 4, pavement ), Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking advisable ( Thur-Sat ), Separate room for parties ( seats 20 ), Available for hire, Disabled ( toilet ), Takeaway serviceNizuni map
Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 4 ratings)
We had a good dinner , tempura was fine, excellent sushi . Maki california with crab was the only weak point. Good green tea ice cream. Lovely staff, very kind.
This restaurant was beyond the imagination. The service was extremely poor - slow, inaccurate (we had to change the salad 4 times until they understood what was wrong with it) and it took us 30 minutes to get a glass of wine. They forgot half of the order and spoilt the other half. DO NOT GO UNLESS YOU WANT TO SPOIL YOUR NIGHT.
We went to Nizuni on a Friday evening and we have been very pleased with the food and service. The food ranged from good to very good (particularly impressed by the aubergine and by a tuna tartare). The service is friendly and caring. The restaurant was quiet when we came in but had become rather noisy by the time we left. The price was very very honest and the value for money remarkable. I'll definitely go again.
Pretty food, awful taste!
Yes the restaurant is conveniently placed and looks good, yes it is cheaper than Roka and the staff younger, but that is is.
Like in the other restaurant, the owners used the cheapest ingredients, prefering presentation to real food taste, the staff has no clue about service and it is just passing the dishes. To avoid.
A waste of time and money
Excellent service. The staff were really helpful with recommendations and very attentive. Will definitely be back soon!
Nizuni (London W1T 2NB) - great food & cocktails. Moderate service, I would recommed this restaurant, really enjoyed...
While we found Koba by the same owners ok, Nizuni was a huge disappointment for us too (and I agree with all comments done by Aki on Oct 27) as Timeout's review got me looking forward to this place...
Kimchi as starter was ok, but then the Tempura was quite heavy and oily, and my Katsu Don "Nizuni Style" was plain awful junk food.
Waiters are kind but will try to lull you into cliché side-dishes (miso-soup and edamames).
Given the quality, this is incredibly over-priced a place.
Place really looks tacky and chain-like.
Nizuni at Charlotte Street for a lunch - lovely parfait starter followed by scallops. All presented perfectly, nothing mind blowing but good food, good atmosphere and great ambience nonetheless - and friendly and kind staff aswell . The wine was also very good. Let me go there again....
I was there with my friend last weekend. That was the best foods ever I've had. I definitely will go there again. I loved the atmosphere and service.
Service was attentive, food was delicious and smoothly brought out. Beautiful decor, definitely will be returning soon.
Nizuni at Charlotte Street for a lunch - lovely parfait starter followed by scallops. All presented perfectly, nothing mind blowing but good food, good atmosphere and great ambience nonetheless - friendly and kind staff- excellent service. The wine was also very good.
I hda a good time in Nizuni during my birthday dinner. Food was excellent specialy sushi and starter. I did not tell my birthday but staff catch during the service so when my desert came I recive special cake with candle on and my name was written. thanks for the nizuni staff.
It was really nice time...
Eating at Nizuni was a pleasant experience. The food was very tasty and looked very nice indeed. The restaurant was quite busy when we got there, good thing we made a reservation. The staff were very friendly and helpful, giving my friend and me lots of good recommendations as we don't really know much about Japanese food. Attentive service, excellent food and great ambience. Be sure to visit!
While we enjoyed our food, the service is what left a bad taste in our mouths. We made a reservation for 7:00 p.m., and were told we had to be out before 8:30 p.m. - a point that was repeated often during the telephone call. When we arrived, it was not "good to see you", but rather "you remember you have to be out by 8:30?". We were SO rushed as we ate, it was ridiculous. I felt like I was in a speed-eating competition! They had us cleared and bill delivered and out by 8:00 p.m. Never again...
And honestly, I don't really remember the food, because the service overshadowed it so much. Too bad, because I have a £90 bill for 3 to show that I ate there...
I went to Nizuni on Friday night with a couple of friends, I have heard alot about this restaurant from my work colleagues, who told me to go there and try it out. I am a big foodie, especially japanese food! We had such a great time there, the atmosphere was so relaxing. And the staff were very kind and friendly. We had alot of food there because we just wanted to try all the different dishes from the menu. I couldnt really remember some of the dishes but would definitely recommend the tako, tuna tartar and black cod. In the end, the meal was a reasonable price. I would definitely go back there again!
I was very surprised to read the comment here because I visited Nizuni after reading the review and I thought Time Out did an excellent job with it!
I really loved the atmosphere of the restaurant, it was really relaxing and the interior was well done. I also managed to have a look at the downstairs area when I popped into the loo (which is located downstairs) and it seems ideal to have parties in!
The food was great too. We were a group of 5 and we shared a few appetizers recommended for us. After that, I had a sushi set, which was absolutely lovely. The sushi practically melted in my mouth! My friends ordered rice and noodle dishes which I had a taste of and I would definitely recommend the chicken teriyaki!
Nizuni is definitely a great place to visit and I can see myself visiting a lot more! The staff are very friendly and the service is great. Definite recommend!
Nizuni, was a huge disappointment, and one should not expect anything close to japanese here. Starters were awful and the sushi mediocre, luckily we only had these and left.
The interior is tacky and lined with fake wood.
It was sad to end up here because of time out, as there is a superb Japanese restaurant just round the corner on Goodge street called Yoisho, which is half the price and food is amazing and the atmosphere fun.
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