We love Japanese food and are always excited to hear of new offerings and menus. Murakami, we have to admit wasn’t one we had heard of even though it’s been quietly doing it’s thing for the past few years. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, this modern Japanese restaurant once discovered is a must for sushi, robata-grilled fare as well as salads and hot plates.
Murakami recently announced its new Spring Menu and we were there to try some of their delectable dishes. The restaurant is stylish and sleek – simple in true Japanese fashion. The wooden floorboards create an elegant backdrop whilst the walls adorned with greenery add a vibrant flash of colour.
As ever with Japanese food, we enlisted the help of our waiter who recommended the following; New Style Sashimi, Salmon seared in hot oil with yuzu soy, mixed cress, Chirashi Tart, created with layers of sushi rice, spicy tuna, Japanese guacamole and flame seared salmon; the seasonal Garden Roll, made with asparagus, shiso leaves, avocado and pickled ginger; Citrus Green Roll, with salmon, wrapped in soy paper maminori, served with lime, crunchy rice crackers and maple syrup the Salmon Ceviche Roll, a futomaki roll with cucumber avocado, salmon ceviche, yuzu soy sauce and ikura; and an indulgent Lobster Tempura, served with tempura asparagus and shiso leaves, Japanese tar-tar, truffle butter and Asian chilli dip.
We also ordered the Rib Eye with Sweet Soya, grilled rib eye with sweet soya sauce, shiitake mushroom, chilli, yuzu and the Nasu Dengaku, grilled aubergine 7 with saikyo miso, bonito akes and chilli. Needless to say, we were too full for dessert so instead ordered a liquid dessert – sake. The food is divine fresh and flavoursome and innovative – some of the flavours didn’t sound like they’d work but they did. There wasn’t a single thing we wouldn’t re-order on our trip back. The variety of dishes and Murakami’s unique take is impressive too, alongside the delicious delicacies is an equally impressive drinks menu including premium Japanese beers, lagers, wine, whiskey, cocktails and of course sake.
Murakami serves authentic Japanese modern cuisine and as foodie’s who love Japanese cuisine we are always looking for new additions, think we may have found one more for our repertoire.
Murakami, 63-66 St. Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4JS
