Mai Food in Kensington and Chelsea

During a 2-days business trip, I was hanging out in Earl's Court to find somewhere to eat in the evening. I just wanted to have a familiar atmosphere. Just saw the Mai Food entrance, very small one, but the menu was looking as it is a traditional Japanese restaurant that I love. I entered and I feel at home ! Incredible experience... The menu outside is not telling the truth, all the wonderful dishes are inside. Please do the step ahead, and pull the door. Friendly atmosphere, very nice food, and amazing choice. You won't regret it ! I am planning to come back every time I can just to eat here. This is a right place, if you want to spend a great evening, if you're with 2 or 3 friends, or alone. This is a tiny place, to recommend !

Food is ok. But you can have a various Japanese food you can’t have in London. So it’s valued. We had seats on counter. Chair was too low for the counter so that we felt pretty uncomfortable. If we sat not there we may have had different feelings.

アールズコート駅のすぐそばにある日本食屋さんです。常連が多く、客はほぼ日本人です。店内は狭めですが、日本の下町居酒屋っぽ い雰囲気を味わえるため、居酒屋が恋しくなった時に訪問してます。

Completely understand the authentic aspect of this tiny place, but in general the food is only ok and the seafood‘s freshness is sometimes questionable (huge menu for such a tiny volumes per day can’t justify fresh products and unfortunately you can taste it). Believe it has a following due to the limited space, but this is about it. Experienced the service as rude both during the reservation process and actual dinner. Even though I live close by, I won’t return and won’t recommend.

Dopo essere stati in Giappone non ho mai più mangiato cibo giapponese così. Veramente autentico, semplice, qualità altissima, senza fronzoli commerciali. Se non fossi del nord Italia ci tornerei ogni settimana. Personale silenzioso, gentile e... che lavora duramente, come sono i veri Giapponesi! Grazie!

We were in London for a week March 10-16 of 2019, staying a block away from this apparent 'hidden gem.' Unfortunately the three separate times we tried to visit this place we were denied. The first attempt we arrived about 15 minutes before opening (6:30 pm), stood outside the glass door (seen by staff) until opening only to be shooed away saying they were booked (all tables empty). They saw us, could have said something earlier, but OK - we'll try again. On the next attempt the hostess made absolutely no effort at civility when she heard there were 6 of us. There was no "come back later," no "sorry, we have very limited seating" - just hands waved in the air, head shaken side to side, repeating "No. No. No." Seriously? There were plenty of open seats, just not 6 together. It made me wonder if something else was going on. The final time was a busy Friday evening and the place was full so we didn't even try. I had called prior to their opening to check on reservations and got no answer. Can't say I was surprised. They obviously have a loyal following and a model based on very limited volume so they don't need my business. No problem. I won't bother when next in town to support such discourtesy.

The environment is very Japanese style and it seems to be in a movie recorded in Japan. The food is amazing and really well executed from taste perspective to the presentation. The staff is very kind! The only defect is the price, not so cheap

I've been going here for the last 3 months or so almost 3 times a week. They quickly got to know my name, its like Paul san! everytime I go in I feel like "Norm!" from Cheers- the old American TV show. I feel very welcome there, I LOVE the food...its a rare gem...and to be honest run by real people. Saito san (owner) is a very friendly guy, always feeding me extra dishes here and there. Plus I get to learn bit of Japanese... GREAT Taste, great Vibe, authentic but plenty for western-focussed food people,

Anyone that has travelled to Japan will recognise the flavours and dishes served up here. This non-descript little diner, like the many found in Tokyo, has a combination of small tables and counter-top service. Our family of 5 (inc 3 children) were ushered in - we quickly chose a range of chef’s recommended dishes: deep fried octopus, chargrilled eggplant with miso, gyoza (dumplings), tempura, motsuni (tripe stew), katsu don (pork cutlet with rice), and udon tempura. Come here if you’re after a simple, home cooked Japanese dining experience.

We had our best meal experience at this unassuming authentic family restaurant. The sashimi mix and tempura mix treated great. The fish extremely fresh and refined. The tempura deliciously delicate. The value for money is beyond belief. The restaurant and toilets are extremely clean, although a bit messy :) we did not mind that as we look for authenticity, and there was plenty. Strongly recommend this restaurant.

Ci sono tornata. Sempre eccezionale. Sushi meraviglioso, servizio di una cortesia e simpatia inarrivabili. Veramente “ the best” non solo in Chelsea come mi era stato detto ma credo che a Londra abbia pochi di questo livello. Locale modesto ma cibo di altissima qualità. Conto più che adeguato. Sushi fantastico, gyoza superlativi e melanzane fritte meravigliose. Tappa obbligata.

L’endroit est original : la vraie cantine familiale japonaise sans chichis et tout est très bon ! Très bon accueil , c’est assis au bar ou à table si il y a des de la place ... tempura de légumes et crevettes, raviolis grilles , brochettes, sushis de thon et saumon , ailes de poulet grillés , vin blanc chardonnay... tout était très bon , service attentionné et familial .. un vrai moment de détente !! À recommander . Clientèle japonaise , une très bonne adresse à Earl’s Court !

A friend and I happened upon this place the other day. I was skeptical at the appearance from the outside, however we decided to chance it. Turned out to be some great food, along with some different dishes not typically found in a 'westernized' place. The service was friendly and the food was fantastic. My only minor gripe would be the appearance. Give it a go, you'll be glad that you did!

Not a comfortable place for dinner...we sat at the bar. Food is good but not exceptional for a Japanese chef. If wanting simple and quick but authentic Japanese food, this is the place.

焼き餃子頼んだんですが、なんかホームメイドというより、冷凍餃子を焼いただけみたいな感じでがっかり。ロンドンの和食、お値段 は料亭、お味は大衆居酒屋というところも少なくないので、期待はしないでいけばいいのかも。

Autentica cucina giapponese, gestione familiare con tutto il personale giapponese. Ottimo anche per chi studia giapponese e vuole parlarlo un po' con le commesse. Siamo stati assistiti nella scelta dei piatti e ci è stato spiegato come mangiarli im stile giapponese. Commesse molto gentili, che conoscono anche qualche parola di italiano.

This place might not look flashy but looks desive. The service is good and the staff are very friendly. The place has a lot of Japanese eaters and some of the specials are only displayed in Japanese. I had the gyoza, which were to die for! Following that I had the deep fried tuna, which was disappointing. So to compensate I orderd a special! This was a beef dish and 1st class. I would come again and try some other specials

small family-run eatery japanese style. the first time I had rice with shashimi sliced on top. the beef teriyaki was good as well and a solid portion. friendly service and surely place to return for a quick bite

The restaurant is small, and situated in the most discreet part of Earl's Court never the less the service was efficient and the food were excellent. I would recommend the oden dish during winter.

Encontramos este pequeño restaurante al lado de mi sitio, y en el comienzo, a pesar de que parecía pequeña y vieja que se estaba siempre lleno de gente por lo tanto - le doy shot. Los clientes son en su mayoría japonés y fue samehow...

「日本感覚で」は、イギリスでのスタンダードとはだいぶ違います。 私はナスが大好きなので、ナス田楽ラブ。 その他は...

グロスターロードに宿泊する事が多く日本で調べてHPでとても美味しそうに見えたので隣駅なので訪れてみましたが…串揚げ類はその場で揚げてくれますのでそれなりにカリっとしています。煮込みは目の前で電子レンジでチン、かつ丼はとても食べられる物ではありませんでした。二度と行くことはないでしょう。

My husband and I ordered a takeaway from Mai and we waited for our food at the sushi bar, fascinated by the old-world style, family-run restaurant before our eyes. The decor is haphazard and full of useless and kitsch objects. The menu is written on pieces of paper pinned to the wall. The interaction between the staff/family is fascinating.There were a few Japanese customers also dining here which made it more homely.We were very disappointed by the food however. My chicken wings were cooked entirely in the microwave - being an open kitchen, I saw it with my own eyes. And sure enough, with meat cooked in the microwave, it tasted bland.

I am writing to complain about the service and quality of food received.Like the other reviewer, I can say that the hygiene levels are low. I saw the chef eating food one moment and then picking out my prawns with his fingers the next.Many dusty CD's are by the food.When the food came, I was less than impressed with the hilariously low amount of substance, and large amount of rice. The owner is a wild card and yells at customers. Therefore its low service, value for money, which can destroy what atmosphere it may have. I can see why it didn't do well in South Kensington.Do yourself a favour, give this one a miss.

Моей жене очень нравится японская кухня и японская еда. Мы зашли сюда и не были разочарованы выбором.Доброжелательный и предупредительный персонал, приятная атмосфера.Мне показалось, что это ресторан - семейный бизнес. А это как раз и является залогом их успеха.

This place is brilliant. The food is good and the service very friendly. Also it is not too expensive and it has a really nice atmosphere.

Mooched around Earls Court searching for inspiration. Passed all the high street chains and checked out all the side street eateries and took a big gamble entering the least glitzy marketed gaff. The family within welcomed my naivety and eager curiosity of their food. Wow I was thrilled with the dishes that followed...flavours I had never imagined. A leaf that looked exactly like a nettle that tasted light and beautifully fragrant. The lady proprietor explained to me what it was. I finished by sampling their tempura. ....I will be back with friends. A casual street eatery that knows it's food. Embrace it for what it is.

There are no many places like Mai Food around any more.This small restaurant hidden away is a absolute gem! If you want authentic and outstanding Japanese food and atmosphere; this is the place to go. It is a humble tiny restaurant (do not expect the design and pretentious style of Nobu). We have been numerous times and we are never disappointed. The food is super fresh and of excellent quality. Family run business; nothing is too much trouble.The owners, married couple, husband being the Head Chef and wife managing the tables; it was a real family feel. Both of them together with the rest of the team there make you feel like you are a family member. It is often full of only Japanese customers. You can't miss the Yaki Gouza (dumplings). Everything is so yummy!

I'm reviewing restaurant to let people know that this is a very very poorly managed place, not suitable for dining. I'm a chef, I know my food and this simply is a bad place to eat. Unorganised, sushi chef nibbling all the time, service person washing dishes close to sushi bar using detergent, staff talking and laughing in front of food (they may as well spit all over food), one chef more focused on his music. Dust under the sushi bar, piled up CDs etc. I ordered sushi set (8 pieces of sushi), which wasn't bad but I kept the receipt just in case. From what I saw, they may not have stored fish properly...hope I don't get sick. No wonder this place is tucked away, it's disgraceful.

This small restaurant, tucked away in a side street near Earls Court station, is the real deal for authentic Japanese cuisine. Don't expect fancy surroundings - it's small, with basic furnishings and a handful of tables, plus a counter with a few seats. But the welcome is friendly, and there is a steady flow of Japanese customers looking for a taste of home. The menu offers a good range of typical Japanese food, including excellent tempura. Prices are very reasonable too, and I liked the fact that I wasn't hurried along to leave when I had finished - they were quite happy for me to continue to sit at the counter and do my crossword! So with excellent food and service, there's is very little to fault here, unless you prefer plush surroundings and smartly-dressed waiters attending to your every need.

I had deep fried skewers set menu (kushiage C set menu) and it was delicious. Food there was very authentic and people cooking and serving are all Japanese too. I am Japanese and I felt like I was back in Japan.

Mai Food is a hearty and lively restaurant where chef Sato-san serves very fresh and tasty food. The sashimi and noodle dishes are delicious. Chef's specials are also worth trying!