Not another sushi outlet in North West London! But yes, Hi Sushi is another one to add to the growing crop of the neighbourhood’s Japanese eateries.

The Venue
Positioned on Hampstead High Street, Hi Sushi benefits from a great location within the picturesque surroundings of Hampstead with its array of cosmopolitan shops that stretches for what seems miles. The decor is far from sleek with a canteen style feel of high chairs and bar-like dining features that are for the most part laid back. The counter protrudes like a sore thumb at the front of the restaurant where you can see all the handcrafted dishes being prepared by the skilled sushi marksmen.

The Atmosphere
The odd fleeting group of Japanese people comes in, which signifies the lack of popularity amongst the authentic locals who no doubt are in another popular establishment. The crowd is mainly a young set of Hampstead locals and more continental clientele that chow down on the Japanese dishes on offer. Watch on as the authentic and polite staff tend to most of your needs with a swiftness that is synonymous with most Japanese outlets.

The Food
There’s nothing really out of the ordinary to shout about here with typical dishes featuring tuna and salmon sashimi that’s fresh enough. The salmon nigiri is not bad with the sticky rice a little too cloggy.

Some hot dishes available feature a rich bean curd miso soup and chicken teriyaki which suffers in the marinade from being too sickly. The crab rolls as with the advocado rolls are fleshy and pretty wholesome. The Teppenyaki dishes which are cooked on a hot flat griddle are cleanly executed.

The nasu den, Japanese aubergine with miso paste, is always a winner. The sauce is silky using fresh soya and bean curd and poured generously over a well grilled aubergine that’s soft and fleshy. The beef Japanese curry comes with udon noodles that are well cooked but lack in character and texture and the Hi Sushi noodle dish of egg beancurd, crabstick, mushrooms which disappear pratically under the heat and amongst the other ingredients is served with tempura prawn and is a little confusing.

The Drink
There’s a range of cold beverages to suit anyone’s taste and wallet combined with some sakes that are pretty much standard. The wine list is standard and reflects the usual European competitors that you would find in any restaurant down the road.

The Last Word
This is a clean and cheap Japanese sushi venue that’s particularly good value especially with its Hampstead location but it fails to inspire overall.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1) order a delivery