#Umu is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London in my opinion. Since former Itamae (Kaiseki chef, Mr. Kubota) went back to Kyoto, his successor, Mr. Ishii (trained at Kitcho, formerly w/ Japanese Embassy), has brought creativity. His menu was predictable, as it is still faithful to #Kaiseki basics. Oyster trio imported from Kumamoto was nicely flavored, while Suzuki usuzykuri had little edge. Delicious Icelandic live sea uchin was actually Bafun Uni, not the one I prefer which is Red uchin (Aka Uni). Grilled blue fin toro tataki was v. good, while I also loved Foie gras sushi presented on a crispy cup. Ibushi eel (Unagi shiro yaki) was not tender enough and came boldly w/ ume (Japanese plum) sour sauce, which was hair-rasiing as eel cannot be eaten w/ plum as the proverb runs in Japan. Believe me, only chilled Hamo (pike conger) can go w/ plum as an exception in summer. Its green tea tiramisu was yummy. Sadly, w/o private rooms and adjacent gardens, Umu cannot be a proper #Kaiseki restaurant - I know it's impossible in London; well then, let's go to #Kyoto!

#Umu is one of the best Japanese restaurants in London in my opinion. Since former Itamae (Kaiseki chef, Mr. Kubota) went back to Kyoto, his successor, Mr. Ishii (trained at Kitcho, formerly w/ Japanese Embassy), has brought creativity. His menu was predictable, as it is still faithful to #Kaiseki basics. Oyster trio imported from Kumamoto was nicely flavored, while Suzuki usuzykuri had little edge. Delicious Icelandic live sea uchin was actually Bafun Uni, not the one I prefer which is Red uchin (Aka Uni). Grilled blue fin toro tataki was v. good, while I also loved Foie gras sushi presented on a crispy cup. Ibushi eel (Unagi shiro yaki) was not tender enough and came boldly w/ ume (Japanese plum) sour sauce, which was hair-rasiing as eel cannot be eaten w/ plum as the proverb runs in Japan. Believe me, only chilled Hamo (pike conger) can go w/ plum as an exception in summer. Its green tea tiramisu was yummy. Sadly, w/o private rooms and adjacent gardens, Umu cannot be a proper #Kaiseki restaurant - I know it's impossible in London; well then, let's go to #Kyoto! by sho.matsubara via http://bit.ly/1BGWH0i