Cafe Japan is a cute little Japanese outfit that turns out dish after dish of some of the finest sushi known to North West London.

The Venue
Located nearby the main Golders Green bus terminus, this restaurant is standing room only and you feel like you’re packed in like sardines. After struggling through a handful of the stools carefully positioned around the sushi counter you finally reach your destination and collapse in a heap on very low wooden seats and tables which encapsulates the typical Japanese seating plans.

The Atmosphere
There’s always a banter simmering away behind the counter between the head chef and his assistants as they prepare dishes. A usually cosmopolitan crowd frequents this place with large groups of Japanese locals who congregate around the counter in anticipation of what’s in store.

The Food
The cuisine does not disappoint here, with the main concentration firmly focused on the exquisite sushi and sashimi. There’s an excellent nigiri selection with 14 different varieties to choose from, each topped with a generous piece of fish. From the a la carte nigiri specials, the octopus or the King crab tempura come highly recommended.

There are also more than generous portions of some extremely mouthwatering offerings featuring scallops, turbot & salmon, as well as large portions of maki and inside out rolls. Cafe Japan’s menu also includes some juicy chicken thighs marinated in ginger and garlic and a plate of black cod in traditional miso sauce.

The Drink
Japanese beers are a definite suggestion here, and for a nice end to the evening choose some tea infusions like green and peppermint tea served in authentic Japanese teapots.

The Last Word
Standards are high, but the experience doesn’t come cheap, although the sweet-natured service softens the blow. There’s little wonder that Cafe Japan has been one of North London's most popular Japanese joints for so long.

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