An authentic Balham local serving up delicious Japanese delights.

The Venue
On a dreary stretch of Balham High road by Tooting Bec tube station sits Fujisan, a little Japanese gem. No doubt this is what a typical Tokyo restaurant feels like. There have been none of the normal attempts to inject a trendy London sparkle to the simple traditional Japanese decor. Basic wooden tables are dotted across bare floors – the only nod to any embellishment is the prints on the walls. However it feels refreshingly genuine, and touches like a sunken table seating up to 12 people are fun.

The Atmosphere
You don’t come to Fujisan for the atmosphere. The lack of any music and understated style of service makes for a sedate ambience. This is probably not the place to come for a birthday party or to start off a night out on the town, but if you’re looking for a casual meal with a friend or partner and want to enjoy your food in peaceful surroundings, it’s just the ticket.

The Food
The food is the main attraction at Fujisan – quality Japanese food cooked simply and well. Start with fluffy king prawn tempura and tangy gyoza dumplings stuffed with prawns and vegetables. The chilli tofu is really special, combining a beautifully crispy chilli coating with a soft silken texture inside. The pork ribs are excellent too. A wide variety of sushi and sashimi is available, fresh and plump. Fujisan specialities include the rainbow sushi, a variety of seafood served over salad with a spirited miso soup. And then choose from a range of main dishes such as piping hot chilli beef ramen or a sirloin steak sizzling platter, cooked on a hot metal plate with onions and red peppers. There is also a selection of bento boxes available – the chicken katsu with teriyaki sauce is a highlight. An excellent early bird special gives you 3 courses for £10 if you order before 7.30pm. Top off with an exquisite pecan pie or chocolate fudge cake, or stay faithful to the Japanese theme with some green tea ice cream - a delicate and refreshing palate cleanser.

The Drink
A very basic selection of wines and beers are available. The beers are authentically Japanese – choose from Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo. Or to warm the cockles and do as the Japanese do, choose some hot sake served in a traditional cask. The wine choices are very simple – there are three reds and three whites on offer, ranging in price from £11 to £13.

The Last Word
As long as you’re not after a buzzing atmosphere, Fujisan is a great place to enjoy delicious Japanese food in a contemporary environment.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1)