One of about a million lunchtime offers in the quainter part of Covent Garden, Samurai needs to step up its game if it’s to compete on any kind of level with its rivals.

The Venue
Clean lines, bordering on cold and sterile, is the norm at many Japanese venues, but Samurai takes it a bit far, with no warm touches and more of a takeaway feel, despite the chairs and seating area by the window, looking out to the charming road of New Row.

Really, this place is for a takeaway lunch on the run. The vats of food behind a sheet of glass, a couple of microwaves and a Pret style display cabinet for pre-prepared food is pretty much it. With all the white and gleaming surfaces, it’s not very inviting, but does lend a feeling of healthy, quality Japanese food - goes to show first impressions can be misleading!

The Atmosphere
A friendly-enough but unhelpful staff are always rushed at lunch and that harried feel infects Samurai. The set up of queue systems is confused, and sometimes you’re left waiting longer than your turn to be served. Speak up and maintain eye contact to avoid being overlooked - throw potential queue jumpers a dark glare and stand your ground. The bulk of the clientele are health-conscious office workers out to grab a bite to see them through a busy afternoon.

The Food
This is a bit of a disappointment. Despite their own window declaring it a healthy choice, which it certainly should be, the reality is less fulfilling. The pre-packaged stuff is pretty much what you’d get in any Pret, and at similar prices, making it good if that’s what you’re after and you live or work in the area; however, the hot food is the real failing.

Sat in vats, they look unappetising and don’t sound very Japanese (Chicken curry or sweet and sour?). At almost a fiver each, you certainly get a lot for your money, but it’s slopped into a plastic container with a choice of rice and noodles and then microwaved to make it hot. You try eating chicken that’s been left warm and then heated in a microwave and see how many chews it takes (a lot). However, it’s not all bad, the salmon teriaki is actually pretty decent, and when mixed with rice does taste fresh and healthy.

The Drink
Soft drink, water, tea. Exciting? Maybe not, but it’s more than adequate.

The Last Word
If you want a quick bite at lunch then Samurai is an ok choice - just don’t come here expecting a genuine Japanese taste experience.

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