Nobu Berkeley

Lacrimosa

Japan meets London 27th August 2008

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I dined here a few days ago, and found the food, decor and service to be terrific.

Our meal was preceded by some lovingly crafted cocktails, ordered at the bar downstairs, which took a good ten minutes to order and prepare and a degree of tactful negotiation with the barman in terms of content, as I think he was somewhat appalled by my choice of a vodka sake martini with lemon and lime - but, hey, I enjoyed it!

After proceeding to our table upstairs, we ordered a variety of dishes, including octopus, cod, crispy pork belly and a selection of sushi, including one with soft shell shrimps - the taste and texture of which, I must admit, strongly reminded me of ready salted crisps. The crispy pork belly, which was my choice and strongly resisted by my companion, proved mouth-wateringly tasty and possibly the nicest thing we ordered. All this was washed down with ice-cold sake.

We visited on a Saturday night over the August Bank Holiday when many Londoners might reasonably be expected to be out of town. The bar was rather quiet when we arrived circa. 8pm, but humming by the time we left. By contrast the restaurant seemed to reasonably busy the whole time we were there, with a buzzy multi-national atmosphere. People were dressed in the expensively low-key way that is typical of these types of places, although (in common with Nobu Milan, as I recall) the air conditioning will make you glad you've covered your arms. Service was quietly attentive throughout, which is reflected in the above-average 15% gratuity charge added to the bill.

Which brings me to the prices. Thankfully I wasn't paying so don't know what the final bill was, but this place is very VERY expensive. As a rough guide, expect to pay well in excess of £100 a head.

Niamheen at 27/08/08

I really want to go here. Even at £100 a head. Special treat! :)

Lacrimosa at 27/08/08

If you go, Niamheen, do try the crispy pork belly!

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