Koya

Black board only

This is my third time now back at Koya, the key to avoid the super long wait is to visit early Monday or off peak hours as every time I walked passed Frith Street, people were just crowned outside Koya, not even the Koya Bar just next door managed to reduce its fan base and it is rare to see a restaurant this popular even though it has been around for a while now.

grilled aubergine & beef shabu udon

I did the usual, not even wasting a second looking at the normal menu and jumped straight to its black board special. The braised tofu with bobby beans reminds me of the taste of far east flavours, the tofu was rich and savoury, super soft on the inside, it was a great starter. The tubot was also a fine dish, cooked on the bone to get maximum flavours, the soy and sake really brought out the taste of the fish.

tofu and bobby beans

soy & sake braised turbot, broad beans and shiso

Confit rabbit was the let down of the evening, the meat was cooked far too long which resulted in the meat being a little chewy, the baby gem and carrot however was well seasoned with a lovely layer of textures. The Dexter rump steak was well cooked and moist, the water cress acted like a mustard with the peppery and cool taste. 

confit rabbit and English salad

Dexter rump steak

I enjoyed the meal a lot but not as much as last time, partly due to the fact the rabbit was disappointing and it cost a little more as well. However as it is an ever changing daily menu, there are always different items to try and that is the charm that keeps people coming back. I would still love to come back again in the future as I've still yet to find a Japanese restaurant in London to rival it in that kind of price bracket. 

Food 6
Service 5
Ambience 5
Value 6

£33 per head

49 Frith St, London, Greater London W1D 4SG

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