Tranquil, serene and calming but women will struggle to retain ladylike decorum whilst positioning themselves at the sunken tables. Short skirts not advisable.

The Venue
It’s unlikely you will spot a succession of celebs strutting their stuff down this Bond Street, as it’s more a cosmopolitan mixture of small but quirky Ealing eateries than designer boutiques. Okawari (the name means double helping) is small, stylish and simplistic, with the tranquil claming effect of the water wheel at the entrance balancing out the vigorous chopping from the enthusiastic chef at the sushi bar. You are led through the minimalist decor, across scrupulously clean, wood laminate floors and pale, fresh walls to where the sunken tables begin.

Some slight gymnastics are needed to position yourself on your floor cushion. Those of an inflexible disposition or of larger circumference should perhaps go for the standard table and chairs option. Whilst your legs dangle into a cut out floor area, you do get a feeling of authentic Japanese eating. Although tables are divided in to twos, fours and sixes you can expect to share with other diners, but there’s more then enough elbow room and you still feel separate. Upstairs there is also a function room available for up to 20 people including karaoke machine (heaven help the neighbours).

The Atmosphere
Okawari is informal and relaxed. Staff are helpful and happy to un-patronisingly explain the difference between sashimi and sushi. (Obviously you don’t want to ask too many questions as their knees could buckle after bending to speak to you for more then a few moments.) The majority of diners fall into the thirtysomething bracket, although Sundays seems to be more of a mix with families enjoying the informal atmosphere.

The Food
Where do you start? You have so many delicious options and combinations. For a lighter bite snack at the sushi bar (keep stray fingers tucked away). Nigri, temaki or sashimi, endless varieties priced from £1.50. Or combine with a choice of dumplings, tempuras, skewers of chicken and prawns. A large but not overwhelming variety of noodles or rice based main dishes are available. Teriyaki dishes (served with bean sprouts, miso soup and rice), ramen (noodles in soup) donburo (rice with toppings and miso soup) all for under £10.

Bento boxes are available for the indecisive, just plain hungry or if you fancy a bit of everything. They are clearly explained with diagrams as is the rest of the menu with most dishes fully translated. Tender and juicy beef teriyaki and delicious meaty grilled fish are both very good. King prawns are large and fresh and rice with just the right consistency of stickiness to make it to the mouth of even the most useless of chopstick operator. Main dishes are priced from about £5 to £10.

The Drink
Sake and plum wine for the more traditional accompaniment, along with Asahi and Sapporo beer and a small but perfectly formed choice of white and red wines to choose from. Or better still, sip on the bottomless pot of green tea throughout the meal for a gentler digestive experience.

The Last Word
Okwari is well named, although triple helping please would perhaps be more appropriate. Light and moreish, delicious and overflowing with variety. You could have helping after helping, day after day, yet never have the same combination twice. Definitely a well needed and popular addition to Ealing’s eateries.

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