YUMMEI

Akari - Islington - London

Based in an old Victorian pub is Akari, an authentic Japanese Izakaya style restaurant and bar.

It looks like a pub but... is a Japanese restaurant.

My mind is completely blown.

It's dark and mysterious interior with the mismatched dark mahogany chairs and scuffed up tables only add to it's charm.

I came here during the end of Saturday lunchtime, there were Asian families dotted around; and one of the waitresses was happily cradling the baby of one of them while the parent's gladly ate in peace.

The atmosphere here is so relaxed it's almost lethargic, which is what I really liked about it.

No pretense, no formality, just what you need for a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Shoryu - St. James - Regent Street - London

I've been patiently waiting for a new ramen bar to open in London for some time, and when it does- 3 appear around the same time.

The rivalry between Bone Daddies, Tonkotsu and Shoryu is FIERCE.

Don't worry - I've got you covered.

It just means I have to go to all 3.

For research obviously, intense scientific experimentation ;]

I went to Shoryu first.

Shoryu is brought to you by the same people who run the Japan Centre.

But Shoryu is in a league of it's own.

It specialises in Hakata Tonkotsu ramen noodles, and their head chef is born and raised from the Hakata district in Japan.

It's so authentic it hurts.

Viet Grill - Shoreditch- London

Everyone knows that Kingsland Road is THE place to go if you want some Vietnamese food.

It's not called Pho Mile for nothing.

Viet Grill is a part of the growing empire that also encompasses the two Cay Tre restaurants, and Keu café.

Step inside and you are welcomed into the Jungle Book courtesy of all the banana tree leaves painted on the walls, and the oak wood furnishings.

In comparison to the other Vietnamese restaurant's further down the road that all seem to have a 'canteen' vibe; VG is pretty swish.

The tables are situated considerably close to one another. This makes peeping over at what everyone else is eating that much easier. Everyone does this. I know you do too ;]

Soho Joe - Soho - London

I don't normally tell people these things, but...I have a new lover.

Want to meet him?

Say heyyyy to Soho Joe.

I was warmly welcomed into the arms of Soho Joe after ambling around Dean Street; the seduction of the candle light illuminating from within was just too much to resist.

Dark, warm, and sensuous.

That's my Soho Joe.

YUMMEI

03/04/2013

Akari - Islington - London

20/03/2013

Shoryu - St. James - Regent Street - London

12/03/2013

Viet Grill - Shoreditch- London

20/02/2013

Soho Joe - Soho - London