Ikeda

At Ikeda there’s a personal note from Paul Simon by the toilets. There’s one from Steven Spielberg (and other celebrities) too. Fergus Henderson says it’s one of his favourite restaurants in London. But those aren’t the reasons to go to this old school Japanese spot in Mayfair. The sushi and sashimi is. Ikeda’s supreme assortments are just that. Each one comes with a mix of fatty to very fatty tuna, yellowtail, octopus, and more. It’s delicious, high-quality fish that melts away until you’re mourning it. And, importantly, the rice is also perfect. Warm and with a touch of vinegar, you’ll want to get a handroll packed with the stuff. Aside from the famous friends downstairs, the restaurant is extremely lowkey. Plain walls and polite service. But, if you can get a seat or two on the counter opposite the chefs, then you’ve done very well. Also, it’s worth knowing that Ikeda is expensive. But it’s also very worthwhile.