A pleasant refuge away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, you can rack up quite a bill on very nice Japanese fare at Chisou, if you’re not careful.

The Venue
Chisou is undoubtedly a very beautiful restaurant, though the exterior looks more like a quaint French eatery rather than a Japanese restaurant, decked out all in white with hanging baskets filled with flowers and large windows with a couple of outdoor tables to the front. Inside it’s very muted, with swathes of cream and whites punctuated by wooden tables with bench-style seating, made a little more comfortable by red cushions. If you can get there early enough then the best seats are by the sushi bar where you can see the talented chefs in action.

The Atmosphere
Chisou has a minimalist quality that some might consider a little boring. Luckily, it’s located by one of London’s most hectic streets so this is actually a bonus; it comes across as an oasis of calm when the bustle outside gets to be too much. The staff are very efficient, if not entirely friendly, and restaurant etiquette is very well observed.

The Food
Unlike some Japanese restaurants, the portion sizes at Chisou are actually larger than you may have come to expect. However, you’re still looking at around £30-£40 a head if you want to have a substantial dinner, without drinks, so it can soon all add up as you choose from a large array of enticing dishes.

With such a huge choice on offer, the menu is a little intimidating. It’s worth getting started with some sushi – the salmon, in particular, is excellent with a delicate freshness and underlying saltiness that gets the palate ready for the bigger courses. The chef’s recommendations are a good choice to follow, with some innovative choices really worth checking out.

The tarabagani (king crab) tempura is a delight, even if it is expensive at £18. The batter is light, perfectly seasoned and crisp and the crab holds its own against the rich flavour of its coating, with a wonderful sweetness. Served with salt crystals and a slice of lemon, it showcases the wonderful simplicity of Japanese cuisine.

The tako usuzukuri (£12.50) is also really good, comprising thinly sliced, delicate pieces of octopus with tangy onion served in a ponzu sauce, which has a light citrus flavour and acidic tone that lifts the light octopus perfectly. And this sauce is also served with the light slivers of sashimi, which are all too easy to graze on before you realise you’ve over-ordered.

The Drink
There’s a surprisingly lengthy wine list available, with an interesting cross section of regions and grapes that come well described, and priced at between £18.50 and £70. However, it’s the sake choice that really impresses. The selection is huge – far larger than at many Japanese restaurants in London – with a good number available by the glass. Do, though, watch out for the price; most of them come in at £7 a pop.

The Last Word
Chisou does justice to the quality of Japanese cuisine; just be careful not to over-order as the price can soon escalate. Watch what you’re spending and you’re sure to leave very happy indeed.

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