The best restaurants serving Japanese food in Islington London

This is going to be an unusual review in that I can't think of another restaurant where I've enjoyed the food very much whilst taking an active dislike to the restaurant interior. The quality of food is all that really matters, right? If so, please read the next paragraph and ignore what follows it! My wife had already visited Tanakatsu several times with her friends. We both had a lunchtime bento box, which was expertly prepared with wonderfully crisp pork katsu, tasty salmon teriyaki on good quality rice, an excellent pumpkin croquette, a small selection of high-class sushi and a fine side salad on which you could drizzle the owner's "mighty dressing", served with miso soup. I really couldn't fault it. Another big tick from me for the modest 7.5% service charge. So what about the internal layout? It's actually quite spacious with plenty of natural light but the internal concrete walls were for me unappealing and the overall decor off-putting. Along two walls are some tightly spaced and rather small tables. The one we were shown to was unpleasantly sticky and our conversation drowned by an exceptionally loud man next to us conducting a job interview in a domineering manner. On the other sides were two long 'shelves' which I suppose was the inspiration for the unusual restaurant name ('tana' = 'shelf'). I can understand the logic - it makes it easier to accommodate solo diners - but surely the point of sitting diners side by side is that there should be something more interesting to look at than a very uninspiring street or concrete wall. Also it leaves so much wasted floorspace in the middle! Anyway if you think these observations petty and unnecessary - just go there and you'll have a really good meal.

Came here for lunch and had the chicken katsu curry don (£11) with the hijiki rice upgrade (£1.80). Both were very nice and varied. Service was great. Service charge of 12.5% was automatically added. I would visit again.

Primero déjame decir que la comida era de 5 estrellas. Yo elegiría dar 4. 5 sobre todo, pero obligado a elegir tuve que ir 4 porque algunos elementos de servicio no eran del todo perfectos. Kisetsu es la mesa del chef en Shosharu, que ofrece una fantástica experiencia gastronómica íntima con ingredientes de temporada y principalmente pescado. El menú de degustación de 15 platos siempre fue interesante, sabrosa y visualmente inspirador para combinar. Nuestro grupo tenía vino y emparejamientos de Sake. Los vinos en general eran muy impresionantes, particularmente un pinot noir francés y vino de postre raro. El sommelier ciertamente sabía lo que hacía, aunque en varias ocasiones le había explicado el emparejamiento al grupo sin que nos diéramos cuenta (tal vez no corregir la etiqueta para ser demasiado asertivo para ser justo, a pesar de que fue hablado suavemente). Los sakes fueron muy interesantes, probé con mis amigos y todos menos uno fueron muy impresionantes. Podría escribir sobre la comida. Realmente tan impresionante. Una vez más, esto fue de cinco estrellas, pero a veces el servicio se sentía desarticulado y había un extraño inconveniente, como equivocarse al emparejar los pedidos u omitir la factura de las cajas bien presentadas al final. Una de las parejas también llegó tarde, así que no comenzamos hasta 30 minutos después de nuestra 8. 30 reserva, lo que significaba un final pasado medianoche. En general, excelente, elimine algunos de los fallos técnicos y esto realmente será una experiencia gastronómica excepcional.

Amazing sushi, really friendly staff and reasonably priced. Amazing sushi! Tucked away down a side street. Highly recommended.

Taste sensation! Just my sort of food! We visited for the Saturday brunch which was a rollercoaster of exciting small dishes. Can’t wait to come back and try every dish on the menu.

I was fancy a Japanese so I looked the closest one and I found this place, so I decided to go. The atmosphere is quite relaxing and warm. The lady that runs it is very nice. The food is incredible good and the prices are decent. If you are looking for authentic Japanese food, in a friendly atmosphere for a decent price, do not think twice!

Nourriture très bonne même excellente , bon rapport qualité prix, restaurant calme et personnel adorable. Nous recommandons x10000 ! bravo et encore merci

This was my fourth visit to this wonderful 7 seat sushi bar. Yes, it's a bit of a pain to get a slot but not that big of a deal - just follow the instructions. The restaurant is extremely transparent about their rules, the time dinner with take (3 hours, in our case) and exactly how much it will cost you - there are zero surprises. The host/chef couple are extremely friendly and helpful and the food is outstanding. At more than £200 p/person with a carafe (!) of very nice sake, it's not a place we can go very frequently, but for a treat, it can not be bested.

Recommended. Found it online looking for a pre-Garage venue, very pleased I did. Great restaurant, Japanese classics (Sushi, sashimi, tempura) done very well and competitively priced. Hostess (owner?) was extremely hospitable. Can park outside after 7pm. A very enjoyable experience.

Small sushi and grocery shop, they have 6 seats inside facing the window, you can stay 45 minutes tops but it is more than enough to eat. They have premade options or you can order from their menu. Premade 8 pieces for £15.5 or Sushi Special 9 pieces for £21

As soon as we entered SA SA, we felt welcome and comfortable. We didn’t feel rushed ordering our food and the restaurant was aesthetic and clean. The staff were lovely and the food beat expectations. I have never had sushi so good up until today. If you’re looking for a sushi spot with a chill vibe and that beats expectations, this is the spot.

This restaurant was extremely expensive for a whole in the wall with no atmosphere. Save your money and go somewhere that has alittle more wow.

Delicious tapas, nice wine et great atmosphere. For sure, that's not fine food but the products are good and the cooker is talented. Whatever, I love thise place!

Incredible food! A lovely warm atmosphere and the staff are very nice. A very good selection of gluten free options, and they have gluten free soy sauce too! Great choice for coeliacs/gluten free - I’ve been here many times and will continue to come back.