Dinings

Reviews for Dinings

• 5

  Dinings

  22 Harcourt Street London W1H 4HH uk
  

  More reviews by bellaphon
  bellaphon

  13th August 2008

  Dinings

  Current

  I've never been to Nobu, but...
  
  The first paragraph is totally appropriate for this place, as the chef/owner of Dinings, being ex-Nobu, allowing us the chance to sample what the A-list celebs nibble on at reasonable prices and none of that 2 months' waiting time for a table. You don't come here to gawp at the celebrities nor for that matter to be gawped at. Fine food is simply what it's all about, you come here for the freshness of the ingredients, the glorious technique and cooking of the dishes, the well informed and friendly staff and finally the aftermath of the whole experience that can only suggest; ''I'm saving up for my next visit''.
  
  My fifth visit with my daughter confirmed that consistency is still upheld. When visiting for the first time, always go for something on the blackboard for the daily specials. We're talking Japanese here, so they'll want to serve the freshest from Billingsgate. Most of the daily specials are somewhat fusioned, but they work; imagine Prawn Tempura Rolls with Taramasalata sauce or seared fatty tuna on wakame sauce; synergy! Other dishes ordered included King Crab that can be dangerously addictive and expensive, as well as the glorious Razor Clams. The noveau twist on the traditional dishes like sushi and sashimi is pretty much world class. One of the most memorable dishes was the Nasu Miso(Aubergine baked with sweet miso) recommended by our Spanish speaking waitress. Well the best tip to order this dish is towards the end, it was so unctously delicious and sweet, we declared it a pudding.
  
  For solo diners or pairs, ask for table 1. Tis the the best.
  
  The only qualm I had with this place was its location, tumbleweed alley seeking Paradise Lost.

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• 5

  Dinings

  22 Harcourt Street London W1H 4HH uk
  

  More reviews by Browners
  Browners

  1st June 2008

  Delicious Dinings

  Current

  I'd read about Dinings in the Metro ages ago and suggested to Ed that he should go there with Erin. So when the opportunity came up to go to Dinings with Anne I got very excited.
  
  It's hard to find, which is the mark of a good Japanese restaurant according to Jay Rayner, tucked away on Harcourt Street at the business end of York Street in Marylebone/Edgeware Road. Close enough to work to be feasible but also far enough away to be relaxed!
  
  We sat downstairs in what felt a bit like a smart concrete bunker. Concrete screed covers the floor and plain wooded latice divides the closet sized space up. Warm sake made us hungry whilst the edamame made us thirsty. Clever!
  
  We chose wildly hoping that if we through enough mud at the bare white walls that it would stick. None of it disappointed. It all clung to the walls as it were...
  
  Tuna and avocado rolls were beautifully simple. King crab sushi was heavenly. Shrimp tempura was brilliantly light and crispy, but also enormous! Sea bass with yuzu and ponzo dressing was the highlight. Really light and delicate. Tuna tataki was great and the sea weed salad was refreshing.
  
  Not an off note to be heard. I got chatting to the co-owner who was charming. They've been open for 18 months and have been far more successful than they had ever hoped. Ever since Fay Maschler wrote a glowing review they have been busy almost every night. And rightly so.
  
  It's got a great atmosphere, is unpretentious, approachable and very stylish. I can't wait to go back to try out even more of their menu!

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• 5

  Dinings

  22 Harcourt Street London W1H 4HH uk
  

  More reviews by freddie5540
  freddie5540

  23rd February 2008

  A MUST!!!!

  Current

  This place is fantastic. I want to write that again and again to stress that this place has to be visited.
  
  The place is not easy to find, I had known about it for some time and even walked past it a number of times before I realised where it is. On the ground floor is a sushi bar and just a few chairs and downstairs there are a few tables, not many, maybe eight or nine. The decor is very simple and the staff, all japanese are very nice.
  
  We ate so well, a tuna tataki with truffle was superb, well executed and fresh. King crab in a taco (the best way i can think of to describe it) was a revelation, very fresh and clean and tasting of exactly what it was. Sushi and sashimi was all perfectly executed and again fresh. Then came Wagyu beef, wow. At first there was a mistake and they brought it well done, but the waiter quickly promised to replace it with some rare meat, as ordered. He then brought over some Wagyu tataki to keep us amused while we waited. Superb flavour and texture, unlike any other beef. The rare rump of beef followed and delivered on all fronts: flavour, texture, perfect cooking and it was £16 for 200g, so cheap especially compared to £65 at Zuma.
  
  When I come accross a gem like this I want to tell everyone because this place deserves to do very, very well. Please go but just don't take my table.

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