Pham Sushi

Recommended exclusively because of the quality of the food. I've eaten here around 5 times and each time the food has been memorable. Service is fine and the atmosphere and decor are average. However those are forgiven for the quality of the eating.

I really hate the term “Hidden Gem”. It is used by middle Englanders about the lovely trattatoria that they “discovered” in Chiantishire last August, which only the locals know about. As if the locals hadn't discovered it perfectly well by themselves thank you very much. Alas, I can think of little other way to describe Pham Sushi. It is a hidden gem.

Well, it isn't really that hidden, but it is in the middle of Whitecross Market, which doesn't boast the most original of restaurants. There are some wonderful falafal, Indian and BBQ stalls in the market itself, but, other than Alba (which I haven't been to, but am told is pretty good), there is little that stands out in this side street, running north from the Barbican underpass.

It is, however, a gem: not as polished as others, maybe, but perfectly classy. The fish is good and fresh, with more modern takes on sashimi than most of the other, more traditional City Japanese, but with the classic staples there too for the less adventurous. The rock shrimp tempura is not as good as the Nobu version, but still perfectly servicable. The Bento boxes at lunch are enormous, and good value at around the £15-16 mark.

Well worth the stroll north out of the CIty, or south down from the more trendy Hoxton area.

was introduced by a client as we could not get in to “nobu” one night, boy what a gem, this blows nobu out the water, this place is tiny, so getting table is tough, we sat at sushi counter, staff are friendly and attentive although atmosphere is a little quite for my liking but the food makes up for this. crunchy tuna rolls are to die for and are better than any roll zuma or nobu can come up with in my view. sashimi is fresh and tender. Hot food is good to, but is the sushi that wins the show, dinner for 2 with wine and service was £80 abd we were stuffed! great.

Hidden behind the weekday bustle of market stalls in Whitecross Street is the calm oasis of Pham Sushi. It is neat and clean but not ostentatious and it serves excellent Japanese food – easily of a standard of many of its expensive Wet End brethren. It is no wonder that Pham Sushi is a regular haunt for the sophisticates from Linklaters and some other City firms as well as providing good value, authentic food for discerning locals. Being slightly off the City's usual beaten tracks it feels like a secret gem, however it does make sense to book a table as the restaurant is quite small and deservedly popular.

I have used Pham Sushi both as a venue for informal business meetings and also as a place to take my family for a delicious Japanese supper (and we live South of The River). The food is good value and very fresh. A wide selection of Nigiri Sushi, Sushi Rolls, Sashimi and traditional hot dishes ( such as Tempura, Teriyaki, and noodles are available as are wooden and porcelain Bento boxes offering a good mix at circa £13. My youngest son is convinced that they serve the best Miso soup in the world, it is certainly better than bowls we have enjoyed when travelling in Asia. Service is courteous and attentive without being obtrusive. The tables are made mock-wooden Formica but once covered in dishes the simplicity almost adds to the ambience. The house Special Sashimi is wonderful – meltingly fresh fillets of tuna, yellowtail, sea bass and salmon with delicate accompaniments – thin slivers of chilli, radish and vinegar. When we ate there on Saturday evening, the Nasu Dengaku (deep fried aubergine with sweet miso) was delicious – smooth, creamy and sweet. we enjoyed excellent, freshly prepared Edamame (Japanese Soya beans) which we popped fresh from their salty pods and wonderful Pork Gyozas as starters. We binged on sushi, sashimi and tempura with my 11 year old feasting on a Beef Bento – excellent Teriyaki Beef that was tender and flavoursome. The Green tea is good (and only £1 a cup) and there are a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. We went home comfortably full and very happy!