A return to Itadaki Zen
According to this blog, the last time I visited Itadaki Zen was 2012. Yep, it's been a whole four years since the last time I spent some quality time filling my face at London's only vegan Japanese restaurant.
Why the absence, given Japanese food wins the much-contested battle to be my favourite food? Apart from the fact Itadaki Zen is the other side of London (anyone who thinks one side of the capital to the other is not far has never tried to persuade TfL to let them cross the city on a regular basis), I think the delay was because last time I visited, I found the experience nice, but a bit underwhelming.
Happily for Itadaki Zen and my belly, in the intervening four years since I last darkened their doorstep, they've seriously upped their game.
The last time, I remember that the service was fairly uninterested in us, despite the fact that for most of our meal we were the only people in the restaurant. That's happily changed - the waiter this time was a cheerful, attentive gem.
The last time, I also remember that the portions were a little on the small side. That's happily changed too - I ordered a noodle set and got served four separate dishes, none of which were on the small side. I went home full and happy.
Surprisingly for me, I didn't get a dessert - I went off to a gig at the Lexington (which is also rumoured to have vegan Sunday roasts, can anyone confirm that?!) though there are some on the menu. That's something for a return visit. I'm pretty sure it's not going to be in four years' time though.
Itadaki Zen
www.itadakizen-uk.com/
8 comments
I've yet to venture to Itadaki Zen but it sounds worth visiting from your latest experience!
ReplyDeleteThis place looks like my heaven. I could very happily eat Japanese food every day of the week and never grow tired of it. It's still a bit challenging to find superlative vegan options, so I wish someone could clone the concept and bring it over to my neck of the woods!
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy surprise to return and it's way better - the udon looks especially good. Too many times I've gone back to restaurants only to find they've gone downhill.
ReplyDeleteReading my blog, it always blows my mind how long it's been since I've been to certain places and have eaten certain foods. Our sites can be great reminders :)
ReplyDeleteI've looked at the menu a few times but never managed to get there on a trip to London. I must remember for the future.
ReplyDeleteI love Japanese food but vegan Japanese restaurants are hard to find. You're lucky to have one within reach — even though it may not be the most convenient of locations. The meal looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYum! I wish I could apparate there for a meal!
ReplyDeleteI am only going to say one thing and then I am going I AM SO JEALOUS.
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