Light-hearted and fun, this Soho champion of Nikkei cuisine (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian) pulls out all the stops. Chotto Matte is a large two-floor venue: a neon-splashed nightclub of a restaurant where colour-pop murals are juxtaposed with low lighting and comfy cushioned seats in shades of mustard yellow.
The best thing we ate from an occasionally inconsistent menu was a tray of five springy gyoza parcels concealing Wagyu foie gras, served with a citrusy pot of ginger sesame ponzu. Every dish is presented with bravado; brightly coloured sushi arrives fanned out on a platter, with the signature Sato maki rolls (named after the head chef) flambéed at the table with a blowtorch. Platters are available for dessert too, featuring the likes of mango flavoured mochi balls and an indulgent banana parfait topped up with husks of popcorn.
Chotto Matte doesn’t always deliver on its promise of big flavours, and high prices for small portions make this an expensive prospect, so if you’re on a budget, we’d suggest one of the better-value set menus. Do be sure to explore the inventive cocktail list though, with our favourite being the Flor De Manzana – similar to a Pornstar Martini, this is a fruity mix of mango-infused vodka, saké, passionfruit, apple and elderflower.
If you’re after a more energetic alternative to the fine-dining likes of Hakkasan, Chotto Matte’s boundless energy and slickly presented dishes should satisfy your cravings.