Good, authentic Japanese cuisine is hard to come across in the City; it can be found in abundance at Tatsuso, but at a hefty price.

The Venue
A sleek and modern frontage in the curve of Broadgate Circus, Tatsuso restaurant is split over two floors. On ground level is a dark and casual bustling room with teppan-yaki grills to watch the tasty dishes whipped up in front of you, while downstairs is the bright, wood paneled main restaurant, which is quieter and more formal. The Japanese staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the women wear traditional dress of beautiful, brightly coloured kimonos secured with obis, and glide through the restaurant on wooden platform shoes.

The Atmosphere
The excitement and novelty of teppan-yaki makes the top restaurant more of a relaxed and informal dining experience, so great for groups of diners, while downstairs feels more like traditional Japanese dining with impeccable service, making it good for doing deals over business lunches.

The Food
Mouthwateringly fresh and perfectly cooked, the food at Tatsuso is a cut above your standard Japanese fare; but to be fair you’d expect it to be at these prices. The a la carte sushi menu for example, is around £2.30 for just one piece, so it can quickly add up if you want to order a selection to share. If this is the case, go for the assorted sushi option, which is slightly better value at £28 for a varied and plentiful mix.

Much of the main menu is made up of set menus, which are a good idea if you’re not familiar with Japanese food and want to try a bit of everything. They generally include melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, miso soup and tempura as standard, then a variety of different dishes such as delicately cooked black cod or fried chicken and beef. They are impressively served on polished black trays with each dish in a separate little pot. Prices vary considerably, from around £38 to a whopping £99.50. Other options include the popular Kobe beef at a very steep £76.50 and tempura for around £15.

The Drink
The wine list offers a varied and interesting selection, although equally damaging on the wallet. You’ll also find sake, the usual Japanese bottled beers such as Asahi and Orion, and healthier options, including a delicious green tea served in a miniature cup.

The Last Word
The food at Tatsuso is undoubtedly delicious and well prepared, but it’s difficult to see exactly what warrants the eye-wateringly high prices. At around £80 a head, you’ve either got to absolutely love Japanese food or have a sizeable expenses budget.

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