Chisou

Chisou has always been very conveniently located, being not only just off and in between the Regent street and Hannover Square, but also close to the Apple Store where I had just spent 20 minutes perusing the latest and the greatest in Apple technology, as I was a touch early for lunch.

As you enter you realise the set up is modern but has elements of tradition, including the small tea-house entrance
section, which is more typical of traditional restaurants in Japan. Tables are small and extend through to next door, which originally served as a part-casual take away shop, but now also has more tables for the main restaurant in the back section.

Food is authentic, with the barometers for this being the tempura's batter being properly light and crispy whilst the raw fish is fresh and appropriately cut. The pricing is not cheap on the a la carte menu though the set lunches are all around the expected twenty pounds level.

Service is the usual “Japanese polite” and overall its a pleasant experience dining here. A reliably consistent Japanese restaurant which is very centrally located and just a stones throw from Bond Street.

Chisou is a favorite haunt. The food is a fantastic quality – the spinach salad is worth going there for alone and you can buy the dressing from them – as soon as you taste it you'll understand why this is important. Fresh sashimi and sushi and well prepared hot dishes all cooked to order. It definately pays off to be a little adventurous when ordering and they have a great selection of interesting dishes to choose from. It is not a venue i'd go to if i were looking for a lot of atmosphere. We prefer it for dinner with good friends or for two on a weeknight but no matter when you go it is always pretty full. They have extended the restaurant area out the back which feels a little cavernous and empty but the food more than makes up for it. If you're looking for great japanese food with no pretence – this is your venue.

Chisou is a very reliable japanese restaurant frequented mainly by japanese business people. Whether you order hot dishes or sushi, the quality of food is always very good, and service is efficient and friendly. Personally I think the best places are at the sushi bar where one should ask the Itamae for the daily raw fish specials. The soft shell crab inside out roll is a must.