Jessica's Reviews

My husband and I were intrigued to watch the huge Itsu on Notting Hill Gate take shape over the winter months, and so it was with some excitement that we went almost as soon as it opened. Set over two floors, its ambitious scale belies its laid back atmosphere, as does its glamorous, high octane decor. The designers of this impressive space have managed to create a cool, clubbish vibe which provides a stunning backdrop to the dining experience rather than competing with it. Not easily achieved.

The ground floor is home to three enormous conveyor belts with well-priced. well-judged and delicious Itsu classics. Fresh and sparky, the seafood is partnered with a variety of interesting sauces and marinades which add drama and depth not usually found in the world of conveyor belt sushi. Special mention should go to the crab crystal roll, dreamily fresh and taken to new levels by a vibrant green-herb sauce and the yellow tail “new style”, hot with chilli and beautifully seasoned. From the hot menu, we tried tiger prawn tempura – light and delicious – and langoustine gyozas in “dynamite” broth – good gyozas, brilliantly flavoured broth, alive with lemongrass and a surprising but delicious note of aniseed.

Above, the huge bar is set out in distinct zones, with large booths, delicate velvet chairs and space to mingle. Clever “cake stands” allow drinkers to become diners by helping themselves to dishes from the conveyor belt and stacking them, a great idea which had quickly caught on. No doubt this place will be heaving at the weekends but on the Thursday we visited it was well populated but not packed.

When it opened, Itsu managed to build on the concept of the conveyor belt restaurant in excellent style. The same trick has been pulled off here, the Itsu concept itself refined and raised a few notches. We'll be back very. very soon.

Note 23.11.2010:

I have edited my original scores for this place to reflect the poor service we have experienced here. On 2 occasions now the… More

With great excitement, I invited my father to join my husband and me for lunch at “L'Entrecote” on Saturday. My father has lived in France for many years and I thought this would remind him of home whilst on an extended business trip in London. I am sorry to say that this miserable place let him down at almost every opportunity.

We were shown to a decent enough table – all tables are small and close together, but not unreasonably so given the restaurant's popularity – and within about 10 seconds were asked how we wanted our steak cooked. I replied “medium rare”, only to be told “we only cook in the French way: blue, rare or medium”. Well why ask what I want, I thought, why not tell me what I'm allowed?

Salad and bread arrived. The salad was small, but I have to say delicious with a strong mustard dressing and a few walnuts. But when my husband asked for butter, the true nonsense began. The waitress replied that we could not have butter, as it's a French restaurant. He asked for the manager. The waitress explained the manager would say the same, but agreed to get her anyway. The manager said “this is a French restaurant, we do exactly what they do in Paris and so we don't serve butter”. When asked if the restaurant was in possession of butter, she replied, “Yes, but only to be served with cheese”.

Her manner was that of someone explaining an important and inalienable principle, rather than someone making a petty point of denying a paying customer's simple and reasonable request. At this point we would have left but for the fact that we were entertaining my dad and did not want to spoil the occasion.

The steak arrived smothered in a sauce which would have been nice were it not for the sheer quantity on the plate – and I say this as a lover of sauces of all kinds, and someone who oftens asks for more. The meat – delicious beef which I believe is from the excellent Donald Russell – barely stood a chance against the tarragon-heavy gloop. The fries were very nice, but… More