Sushi-Say

Luke M. ( 30s, Male )

No one really wants to go for a night out in Willesden do they? You have a far better chance of being mugged than finding a decent dinner. So why am I here and why do I keep on coming back time after time after time? The answer, quite simply, because this small, family run restaurant serves the best raw fish I have found in the UK. A true diamond in the rough.

The sushi here is not fancy and you won't find any clever (or even moderately intelligent) rolls, civiches or tartars. There is a distinctive refusal to westernize or glam up the traditional cuisine in any way. However, the Sashimi and Nigiri are jaw droppingly spectacular. Big thick slabs of the freshest, tastiest fish you could hope for are presented in generous portions. Look around the room you will see a common theme threaded through facial expressions as diners glide their teeth through succulent, ruby- red lean tuna. A look, first of surprise at this globally elusive standard of excellence, followed by shear ecstasy.

Occasional specials such as monkfish livers in ponzu sauce are an experience and a delight. If you fancy tempura the batter is always light and sweet. The high priest of the realm is the exclusive and expensive fatty tuna, which has the same consistency as butter and if you are not careful your chopsticks will glide right through its supple, pink flesh.

The atmosphere is not sexy or sophisticated. The room is bright, the wine list basic at best and the water served in plastic bottles. However proud matriarch and owner Yuko restores the charm and dignity. She runs the restaurant with an iron fist and won’t hesitate to give you a bollocking should she see you adding wasabi to soya sauce meant for a roll or piece of sushi that already contains the correct amount.

Sushi Say is a haven for true sushi lovers. I am actually loathed to write about it for fear it will become too popular and I will no longer be able to get a table with out 3 weeks notice. My only salvation; that this is not a challenge for the faint of heart and that only a truly worthy opponent will venture to the depths of North West London and risk the potential muggings and car crime to reach this highest of rewards. See you there.