Akari

Akari is quickly becoming my favourite ‘local Japanese’. I've done lots of travelling in Japan, and definately hanker after the food. Akari serves it very authentically, it tastes just as it does in Japan, it's not diluted to English taste. The place is always full of Japanese people (that's a good sign), but it can be difficult getting a table at times, so do call ahead and book. There's a mini sushi bar you can sit at where the sushi master preps it all in front of you, or you can sit in the main restaurant bit. Try Kaki Fry (that's deep fried oysters), and the grilled aubergine dish with dark miso paste on top (sorry, forgot the Japanese name). The kitchen is behind the ‘pub bar’ so you can watch all the activity whilst you eat, it makes for a great atmosphere.

The reastaurant is used to be a pub and the owners preserved most of the enterior. Food choice is quite good with focus on sushi and grilled dishes. I would also recommend Tempura Udon, which tastes very authentic (unlike in most high-street “Japanese” eateries). There is a small but nice choice of shochu (traditional Japanese spirit made of wheat, barley, buckweat or sweet potato, usually served on the rocks) and sake selection offers very decent quality wine. Japanese and European beer is on offer as well as wine, if you prefer those. All of that is very reasonably priced!
Overall, I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you want to try a trully authentic taste of traditional (without any upper-scale add-ons) Japanese food and drinks. It is also a very cosy place for a quiet evening meal for those, who leave near by.