Maguro

A precious piece of Japan has landed in the pretty streets of Maida Vale, much to the delight of locals. Once news gets around, we’d be surprised if there was enough space in the diminutive wood-panelled dining room to accommodate them all. Smartly attired in contemporary Asian style, Maguro makes a fitting backdrop for some of the most elegant food you might find in a neighbourhood Japanese haunt – although prices are well above average. The menu makes a mouth-watering read, listing all kinds of gyoza dumplings, tempura, sashimi & other specialities. Skewers of juicy chicken glazed with light yakitori sauce are recommended: likewise the beautifully presented seaweed salad topped with delicate slivers of octopus & sweet prawn. There’s no doubting the quality of the silky eel nigiri or crunchy soft-shell crab hand rolls, either. The unusual addition of flame-grilled nigiri (aburi) also speaks of a kitchen that knows its cuisine.