London has its fair share of style-led restaurants, but 2010 saw nowhere more eye-catching than Kyashii; perhaps it’s location opposite Stringfellows inspired the owners of Kyashii to create a visual spectacle to match the infamous ‘gentlemen’s club’. Love it or hate it, the restaurant is certainly a sight to behold.
Featuring four separate dining areas, Kyashii offers something for every occasion, from intimate dinner dates and lively parties to exclusive business meals in the private room looking into the kitchen. As if the bright white and neon décor and Italian tiled flooring aren’t enough, Kyashii takes excess to another level by housing more banks of fish tanks than The London Aquarium. Not quite in keeping with the ‘age of austerity’ then! The venue is completed with a futuristic Champagne Lounge where guests can come for a pre/post dinner drink or simply make it their drinking-hole for the evening.
Kyashii’s ultramodern design is complemented by Head Chef Jacky Yu’s (formerly of Zuma) contemporary and inventive take on Japanese cuisine. Appetisers include Tofu Avocado Gyoza; Oyster Platter served with Ume-shu Jelly & Sake; and Yellowtail Ponzu with Truffle Oil. Jacky’s signature main courses include Grilled Black Cod Fillet with Saikyo Miso Marinade; tender Pan-fried Beef Fillet Steak Strips with Dynamite Mustard Sauce; and Foie Gras-Uni Butter with Chilean Sea Bass.
However, whilst the food is generally of a decent standard, it doesn’t quite reach the level of quality required from its high-end pricing. Portions are pretty small and with starters and mains coming in at over £10 and £20 respectively, they are competing head-on with some seriously accomplished places like Roka, Nozomi and Inamo.
Food: 3/5
Venue: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Cuisine type: Japanese
Dinner for two (excluding drinks): £90
Cocktails: £10
Wine: £5
Kyashii
4A Upper St. Martin’s Lane
Covent Garden
London WC2H 9NY
Tel: 020 7836 5211
www.kyashii.co.uk
