Inaho

Given its affluent, health-conscious locals, Notting Hill should be swimming with sushi joints, but this unobtrusive little Japanese venue is the only place of note. The plain facade certainly doesn’t turn heads, & coolly efficient service suggests a no-frills approach. Inside, seats are usually easy to come by – even though only a handful of tables are crammed into the tiny beech-clad dining room. The lack of business may be due to the miniature portions, which seem out of sync with the inflated prices. A Lilliputian bowl of green bean strips in a sesame dressing, or light, lacy tempura might precede a small platter featuring sparklingly fresh, thick-cut sashimi & well-made spicy tuna maki rolls. Those in the know stick to the bento boxes, served in pretty little lacquered chests. Drink hot & cold saké, or one of the Japanese beers; there’s also a short list of European wines.