Inamo

PalAtTable

So, on my last birthday I had the abundant task of choosing somewhere to eat out with my family. Now there are a few things to consider when picking a restaurant to satisfy my lot:

1) Portions must be filling
2) Atmosphere needs to be lively (but not raucous, let's not be silly now)
3) Menu must be varied

While pondering this I remembered Inamo. You can safely tick off all three requirements, and then scrawl down a few extra. I visited this restaurant months ago and knew I had to go back, if only for the battleships. You heard me, battleships! I'll get onto that in a mo, but let me tell you that relying on a waiter to get your order right need not happen my friend. Nope, you can order your food and drinks all by yourself. Each table has a projector above it which projects the menu onto the white table, and you control it with a small mousepad. It's worth remembering to pace your orders so that you don't get served everything at once! [note: this works successfully unless you are my father who failed to listen to this advice resulting in him receiving three main dishes at the same time, including this pork dish]

And it doesn't stop there. You can play around with the table by changing the image projected onto it; or how about booking a cab if you've had a few too many beverages, or plan out where to head next with the interactive map? But the best thing has to be the games, which takes us back to battleships. You can play against the person opposite you while you wait for your food, brilliant!

Usually the idea of gimmicks and entertainment at a restaurant puts me off as it means not enough attention is given to making sure the food is a decent standard. But I was really surprised to experience some of the best food I've eaten at a restaurant in a long time. No, really.

Between seven of us we had quite a variety off the Oriental fusion menu, and by no means did any of it disappoint. The prices might seem high, but the food matches those prices. We had the aromatic duck pancakes (which the waiters shred for you once they've served it), the Thai red curry, the baby crispy prawns - with an extremely light batter and the Berkshire pork neck. I shared the duck leg with pancakes with my sister, which was lovely and tender. I also had some grilled black faced lamb chops with moromi miso and kim chi which was cooked to perfection, mostly pink with a bit of bite around the edges.

The desert didn't disappoint either. The black sticky rice with fresh mango was gorgeous, but a good one to share as it's very sweet. I've had a similar dish in Bali which I loved even though I'm not a huge fan of rice pudding. The mini chocolate desserts were delicate and looked so cute.

And what meal isn't complete without coffee and tea afterwards?

I went for the chamomile flower tea which came in a gorgeous pot and glass cup. I can't remember the company who produce them, but you can purchase the glassware on their website. I'll try to find out who it is and pop it on here when I do.

RobD

I think I'm only adding to the general warmth towards Inamo; yes it's a novelty, and yes the novelty just about wears off somewhere between eating your meal and ordering the bill - but the food is excellent enough to raise the admittedly geeky table interaction above pure tokenism. I found prices to be average (maybe not if you like exploring the more tucked away & traditional East Asian eateries in Soho), but it doesn't break the bank - especially if you take advantage of the lunchtime deals (via Toptable and the like). A really fun experience, and I imagine a great, quick place to take clients and friends alike. Go!

sanctuary

A modern oriental twist on Japanese style dishes. Great food which probably gets overlooked on account of the table projectors. I had their Cinnamon Chicken dish which was excellent, but perhaps let down by parts being uneatable with chopsticks (I'm not a fan of using hands).

While the interactive tables are fun, they are quite gimmicky and make the ordering process harder and more time consuming then it need be.

Quite pricey when weighed up with the amount of food served.

markym

A little bit more expensive than some of the Asian restaurants in the area, but the food is really excellent, and the interactive tables and ordering system is awesome!

liz82

I had dinner here with friends, its such a great place, which is entertaining and affordable - i think it would also be a great 1st date place too....

AnonContrib

I came here with a few people. We had an awesome night mucking about with the interactive tables and greatly enjoying the inventive, and very tasty, food and drinks.
We followed up in the bar after dinner and found ourselves drinking with the owners - an enthusiastic pair, eager to take feedback and enrich our experience.

I recommend this place highly and will definitely be going back for more.

armstrongp

Crazy Japanese restaurant Inamo - review at: http://www.thelondonrestaurantreview.co.uk/displayrecord2.asp?RestName=Inamo&RecType=2&EntryID=6251

CristinaA

How cool is this place!

I ordered a drink, changed my tablecloth and had a look in the kitchen all from the interactive table. Before browsing the food menu which enlarges the image of the dish on your plate.

Whilst waiting for my food we played a quick game of battleships.

The service is polite and quick, the food tasted amazing, served in rustic bowls and no compromise on flavor. I had the thai red curry and rice and a beer £13.95 I believe.

It seems you can pay your individual part of the bill as well as pay as a group which will stop any and argument over who pays what.

I definitely recommend a visit, 5 stars from me.

Niamheen at 04/11/08

Heard about it but didn't know you could play battleship! Cool!

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MissGosh

I'm curious to try Inamo; so far I've heard through friends that only some of the tables have the much hyped interactive ordering system & that the food was disappointing.
- I'll have to go there myself & report back!

nebbisch

We had a lot of fun here playing around with the gadgets and the food was really good.