Miyako at Andaz

Miyako sits in the heart of Liverpool Street, offering a calm oasis from the surrounding buzz of city workers and pub revellers. The decor is minimalist, dark and gives a nod to authentic Japanese culture with its largely wooden interior and Wagasa umbrellas lining the ceiling. 

Taking a seat by the window, we watch the torrential rain pour down outside, and find ourselves steering towards the hot section of the menu, so start by tucking into some karaage and tempura squid - because how better to cope with a wet English summer than with comforting fried foods? Both arrive promptly, and the squid is well cooked, giving just enough bite without becoming tough, whilst the karaage is juicy and fragrant. Served with a spicy sauce and aioli respectively, both worked well with their counterparts, but were equally capable of holding their own without.

The bento box arrives with teriyaki pork belly, sticky rice, ginger slices, salad with a miso dressing, raw salmon and some fruit. The flavour of the pork belly is the highlight, combining sweet, salty and deeply savoury, however with a cut of meat that is usually associated with being soft and fatty, this was a tad chewy and dry. 

For dessert, the mango and sticky rice comes as a thin layer of cake, topped with rice and coated in a mango glaze, as well as a raspberry coulis and fresh raspberries alongside. Whilst the overall flavour was nice, we’re not totally convinced that the texture worked. 

The drinks list is concise but still manages to cover all bases from cocktails to wine and beer, but we’d recommend trying one of the sakes to complete the experience here. 

This is certainly a good spot to stop for something speedy and casual with friends.

Miyako, located in the chic Andaz London Liverpool Street hotel, is an authentic Japanese restaurant serving sushi, katsu and tempura. Since the hotel is just next to the station, at the heart of the City of London, this is a great place to stop in for lunch or dinner with colleagues or clients. The interiors are modelled on the bustling eateries of Japan, with dark wood furnishings and each table adorned with chopsticks and soy sauce jugs. Interestingly enough, the restaurant was the only one to survive the hotel’s change of ownership to Hyatt, and with good reason.

The playful and intriguing Japanese cocktails offer the perfect start to a meal at Miyako, with options like a yuzu-laced margarita or umeshu and Jinzu gin martini. Naturally, there are various hot and cold sakes to choose from, as well as beer, wine and spirits.

Start off your meal at Miyako with a quintessential Japanese appetiser, such as spicy and salty edamame, chicken karaage, agedashi tofu or prawn gyoza. From there, the offering expands considerably. Sushi-lovers are well and truly spoilt for choice, with plenty of maki, temaki, sashimi, nigiri and chirashi to sample. Elsewhere, you’ll an array of hot dishes too, including seafood ramen, tonkatsu, chicken teriyaki and yakimeshi. Those stopping in for a quick lunch might want to opt for one of the bento boxes, featuring salmon, chicken, pork, sushi or tempura with various sides.

If possible, don’t miss the excellent signature dishes here, tuna tataki with truffle and soy, seafood hotpot or crunchy Sanshyoku roll with salmon, tuna, seabass, avocado, tobiko and spicy sauce. Wrap things up with an authentic Japanese dessert such as mochi. To book a table here, simply choose a party size and time on the right to earn 100 SquareMeal points, which can then be redeemed for gifts or discounts.