Koya

Daily special

I returned to Koya for its outstanding daily specials on a sunny evening after really enjoying my first visit from a while back. Koya, a bib gourmand rated restaurant in Soho is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London, with an ever changing daily special menu off the board at a very affordable price, it is a no brainier for anyone who is a fan of Japanese food.

Sauteed cuttlefish with broccoli leaves

To start off we had the trademark braised pork belly with cider from the normal menu, it was as good as I remembered it from my last visit at Koya Bar. The pork belly had a lovely sweet and fruity taste with that specially blended mustard on the side working wonderfully with the tender meat. Next up was the tempura of Atlantic prawn, deep fried to a level, almost like a soft shell crab dish, the whole prawns were edible, sweet and crispy without being overly dry.

atlantic prawn

braised pork belly with cider

Grilled duck offal was a very interesting dish, the earthy and gammy flavours weren't too challenging with the meat retained it robustness and dedicated texture. Best dish of the night was the steak onglet, it was "steak" to perfection, served medium rare and every mouthful was such a joy. Well seasoned with that red spring onion and miso paste really brings out the authentic Asian flavours to the steak.

grilled duck offal with Jerusalem artichoke

steak onglet

I now really understand why a lot of chefs like to eat out here when they are off duty, the daily specials are nothing short of excellent for its price tag. Not the most technical dishes, but all are using top fresh ingredients, innovative, big on flavours, and well executed. On top you also got a friendly service and casual decor which makes this place one of the best London can offer when it comes to great Japanese food.

Food 6.5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Value 8

£26 per head

49 Frith St, London, Greater London W1D 4SG

http://www.koya.co.uk/