139 King's Cross Road,
King's Cross,
London,
WC1X 9BJ
(020) 7278 3573
Add a User Review for
Itadaki Zen
Add your own review of this
I had written a long and detailed review of our visit, but it was too long for here. It is however posted on veggieheaven if you are interested.
I will just give the final summary here:-
Final thoughts:-
The idea behind its sustainability is fabulous, as is the use of such fresh ingredients and a very clean and efficient decor.
Warmth and atmosphere were what was missing most. It didn't allow us to become part of the experience, and they really should make it clearer to those who are trying this cuisine for the first time, as it is not an everyday occurrence to find a Japanese vegetarian restaurant.
Its uniqueness is why we went, however it failed to do what all restaurants must, and that is to make us feel welcome and excited.
Having tried many other vege restaurants in London which are comparable in price, I will not be rushing to return to Itadaki Zen.
Visit as a stranger, be welcomed as a friend. Behind the elegance of the decor, hospitality, finesse of taste and presentation in the food, there is an ethic and a motivation that goes beyond the good service of a meal: a respect for what it is to grow food, to prepare food, to eat food, to taste it and to live off it; and the desire to share the happy and delicious quality of what such care can achieve. We loved the atmosphere, the absolute beauty of the edibles and the people are just marvellous - do talk to them! Ideas and artistic expression are also much encouraged to explore this space opened by the great minds and hearts behind the enterprise. So much more than just a restaurant.
I went this place after reading a review. I'm a big fan of Japanese food and all sort of oriental foods. Itadaki Zen looks simple from outside and all light wood. Surprisingly, there is a beautifully decorated basement room which I enjoyed very much being in there with my girl friend. I loved all their foods except one side dish that i don't remember the name. Apart from that all of them have fantastic tasty. I really liked the spring rolls (harumaki) and tempura. Agedashi tofu was much better than I expected. Definitely want to visit them again!!!
Best vegan food I ever had. I tried this restaurant with my Japanese friend last week and had a fried noodle called chapche and harumaki (spring roll). It's really awesome place and definitely value for the money. I'm looking to have my mother's birthday party in this place next month. Recommend to All Vegans and people who care about what they eating.
Best vegan food I ever had. AMAZING food and friendly service. I'm looking to have an my mother's birthday party next month at this place. Surely recommend to all Vegans!!!
Went there one week ago with some friends after work, I work at the hospital round the corner so am always looking for new places to eat with my colleagues. The quality of the food was poor, the service was slow and at times, bumbling. The sushi was bland and dry, if you are used to having alot of Japanese food, even vegetarian staples like Cucumber and Avocado, you will be extremely disappointed.
There are many authentic Japanese restaraunts in London and I could not under any circumstances recommend this place.
My friend told me about this restaurant few weeks back and finally had chance to visit them last Friday. I must say that it was an absolutely top class food and service. I'll definitely visit them again with friends.
Hello,
I went to this place last week, and was very disappointed. They say "fully vegan" but then they use anchovies sauce in some dishes!
They say it's because "it's a Japanese tradition" - which does not make any sense, as it is a Japanese tradition is to eat fish and meat too.
I am very disappointed that this restaurant is trying to profile itself as "Europe's First Organic and Vegan Japanese Restaurant" (taken from their website), but then they use a fish-based product?
Very confusing, and disappointing, and I hope you will make a note of this on your website, as once at the restaurant, the menu does not really state which dishes contain anchovies sauce.
Why call yourself "vegan", when you obviously do not care about vegan values? Vegans are very specific about what they eat, and which restaurants they go to, so this just does not feel right.
Best regards
The views contained in these user reviews are not endorsed by View in any way and are provided by users who wish to publish their independent views of the respective establishment.
Archive
View past user reviews for this venue/film.