Cafe Japan
626 Finchley Road
London NW11 7RR
Nearest Tube: Golders Green
4 Yummy stars
Price ££ Starters/soup/salad £2.70-£10.50; Mains £8-£15; Rolls £2.20-£10; Sushi per piece £2-£5; Sashimi per piece £1.70-£5 (at time of writing)
Assorted sushi at Cafe Japan
Buzz factor 3.8/5 stars
Food 4.1/5 stars
Value for money 4.2/5 stars
Eat-in or Take-away
This restaurant has been around for a long time and for a reason. Though it was taken over by the Atariya group some years ago, it still maintains the friendly local feel with consistently good food. It was extensively refurbished fairly recently, moving the sushi counter to the back of the restaurant. The restaurant feels more spacious now.
The staff – including the sushi chefs – are always very friendly and courteous. Unlike many Japanese restaurants, the sushi chefs do not carry a “Do not Disturb” sign round their necks. Unlike the fish in front of them, they are alive and they smile.
It is a casual place with simple décor – bare brick walls and wooden tables and chairs. It is also a great place to eat with the family. In addition to their usual menu, the waitress hands you a few single sheets (with their specials). You feel as if you are about to sit an exam.
The set lunches and dinners are a real hit – and great value too. The sushi/sashimi is fresh. The menu includes dishes adapted to the Western palate eg the gyozas (ie dumplings) with chicken filling (replacing the usual pork filling). There is a long list of sushi rolls with something for everyone. I particularly like their spicy inside out tuna rolls and salmon avocado rolls. Their fried beancurd/tofu has a thin coating and comes sitting in a light soya sauce dip. The chicken teriyaki is moist and tender and the teriyaki sauce is delicious especially when mixed with the rice.
Unlike most other restaurants, service is optional. The great service definitely deserves a good tip.
If it was down to me, I would go everyday.
