15 Bury Street,
London,
SW1Y 6AL
0872 148 4123
The ViewLondon Review
General Price Guide: Inexpensive – Moderate.
Location and Punters:
This popular Japanese restaurant is located in St James’s, Mayfair. It is well known for its excellent Japanese cuisine and it therefore attracts enthusiasts from outside the area, as well as local regulars. The nearest tube stations are Green Park and Piccadilly Circus.
Atmosphere and Décor:
Despite being housed in a basement, Matsuri is airy, spacious and elegant and although the décor is calmingly refined, the whole ambience is less formal and more relaxed than many a top-class Japanese restaurant in the same ilk. Service is exemplary.
Nosh and Drinks:
The cuisine at Matsuri offers a delicate blend of traditional and modern Japanese flavours. Presentation is so artistic that it is almost like sacrilege to disturb the beautiful arrangements! Dining areas are split between the Sushi Counter and the Teppan Yaki Grill table, where the food is skilfully prepared in full view. "Specials" at the Sushi Counter include a set meal of Dobin-Mushi, Kuromame, Tempura, Sushi Set and Ohagi Japanese Cake for £21.
Lunch at Matsuri’s works out considerably cheaper than dinner. A lunch course of Oden (Seafood Casserole), Noodles with Tororo, in Hot Soup with Special Rice, or Deep Fried Kinmedai all cost a modest £6.50 each. The drinks list is adequate and complements the menu. Green tea is available with all lunches and dinners.
The Experience:
The word "Matsuri", Japanese for "festival", aptly sums up the experience. Dining at Matsuri lives up to the Japanese philosophy that food should satisfy the eye as well as the appetite. First Class!