Anzu

Missing the premium edge

Salmon Cured in saka and seabass

From the same people behind the Japanese ramen joint Tonkotsu, Anzu is a brand new Japaneses restaurant in the newly developed St James Market. Unlike the casual Tonkotsu, Anzu is a lot more premium in the decor, as is the cost of the dishes. The menu is mainly focusing on Teishoku, a main course portion that serves with rice and miso soup, it also has a small selection of small plates which are ideal for sharing.

Prawn Korokke

King Crab & Pork Gyoza

King crab and pork gyoza was the best dish for me, the thickness of the pastry was perfect and the ratio of crab and pork was fairly balanced. The prawn korokke was similar to a Spanish croquettes in texture, thick with a mild sweet tone from the prawn. Mix Katsu Teishoku contain fried pork, prawn and cod, the cod was sightly under seasoned but the prawn was fresh and the crispy batter were fairly consistent. The major disappointment had to be the charshu ramen, the pork was chewy and the soup broth was rather one dimension in taste, from the people who are suppose to be expert in making ramen, how could it be so average?

Charshu Ramen with double chicken soup

Mix Katsu Teishoku

In a nutshell, it was a rather average meal, it was just far too standard for the cost it was commanding.  The whole meal actually reminded me a lot of a popular Japanese eatery in Soho, Misato, the quality is a touch better at Anzu but at 3 times the cost which really wasn't value for money at all. St James Market is going to load with plenty of other restaurant choices very soon and I feel Anzu had got some work ahead to make it a success.


Food 2/5

What I paid: 
£20 per head

Average cost without drinks and services:
£30

St James's Market London SW1Y 4SB UK

http://www.anzulondon.com/