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April 9, 2023 Japanese, Kaiseki, Michelin Star, Mayfair, Mayfair, London

Umu

If you’re craving a Kaiseki meal, which is basically a multi-course Japanese meal. I suggest giving Umu a go. Tucked away in Bruton Place in London, you’d be excused if you walked by their discreet door and totally missed the restaurant. The inside is surprisingly spacious, it’s a simple small dining space but very comfortable with lush cushions for those on the sofa side of the table. They offer a-la carte, but why would you do that when you can go Kaiseki and let the chefs showcase all the best of seasonal produce.

We tried the Summer Kaiseki meal, it was outstanding but a few dishes that stood out were the Nimonowan which was a langoustine clear soup with summer vegetables, if you are used to having Miso soup at Asian restaurants this thing will blow your mind. The Tempura Scallop Nori was also a standout, probably the best “roll” I’ve had in London. Most Japanese fine dining will offer Wagyu, and Umu prepared ours over Charcoal. The wagyu came out with the perfect colour, and glistened with perfectly marbled fat. All beautifully presented as you’ll see below.

Side story to all this, the first time we went to Umu was to celebrate the jobs we got during COVID, so the moment London was out of lockdown I made a booking to celebrate. The problem though, as most people did after that first lockdown, we (I specifically), went all out and decided to pair my delicious meal with a premium sake offering. By the time we left the restaurant I had no idea how drunk I actually was, to the point that this day we had planned to wander Central London in the sunshine was cut short by me asking my wife “We need to go home so I can lie down”. I think I asked her this while my head was lying down on a park bench table.

Do yourself a favour, give Umu a chance, and if you like your Sake give that a pairing as well. They also offer a champagne pairing if you want something different. This is a great spot to celebrate a job, anniversary, or get together with great friends. I look forward to going back and experiencing their prestige wine and sake offerings again

Price per head: £200 and up depending on drinks/pairing

MukozukeMukozuke

NimonowanNimonowan

AgemonoAgemono

YakimonoYakimono

Up next Dai Chi Paradise Soho
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