One of my favourite documentaries of all time has got to be Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It’s rather inspiring to watch the makings of a man who has dedicated his life in mastering a craft and very humbling to see how great things (and awesome food) start from nothing but a dream.
Also, all that sushi porn made me salivate rivers of hunger. Mark my words, buddies. one of these days, I will go to Tokyo and eat at Sukiyabashi Jiro.
I’ve heard much about Dinings from foodie friends and have always wanted to visit. We walked into the tiny restaurant and were sat by the sushi counter upstairs. There’s also a small table service are downstairs.
Using the freshest ingredients, Dinings marry traditional Japanese cuisine with modern European fare.
First up, a very fresh salad of half a Scottish lobster (£20.45) with jalapeño mayonnaise and vinaigrette. The simplest of salads with the freshest ingredients are truly the most delicious (like this one I had in Cafe Savini in Milan) and this lobster salad was no exception. Compared to a relatively overpriced tuna nicoise I’ve had recently, I would gladly pay more for more of this salad.
The Scottish salmon ‘zuke’ style sashimi (£4.95 per piece) was topped with caramelized onion soy jam and it was perfect. Fatty but firm in all the right ways with a balanced sweetness you can not fault.
But oh, the akami tuna sashimi (£4.25 per piece). The moment I put it in my mouth I almost cried. It was so fresh it just melted! I wanted the experience to last as long as it could because it was so good and I didn’t want it to end… but it was TOO good and I just wanted to devour the damn thing!
My birthday crab came in form of Dinings’ double crab roll (£18.90 for 6). These were filled with super fresh Cornish crab meat and topped with crispy soft-shell crab, dressed with a yuzu garlic sauce and cress salad. It’s a pretty dish which delivers in Instagrammable criteria. The taste is subtle yet substantial.
I love me a good piece of unagi and the ‘uzaku’ style fresh water eel sushi (£4.40 per piece) did not disappoint. Unlike most unagi dishes it wasn’t covered with an overly sweet glaze. The sear on the eel was good, giving it a smoky flavour that somehow enhanced its natural flavour.
The seared A3 Japanese Wagyu beef sushi topped with foie-gras and sweet soy (£8.95 per piece) was just divine. I’m not particularly keen on aburi sushi but I fell in love with this one badly.
It had the right amount of foie gras, the perfect slice of beef and the rice… wow. Great acidity, great bite, great portion size. This was seriously divine.
The only thing on the savoury menu that didn’t move me much was the grilled chilli garlic black cod (£18.95). The fish was well-cooked but I found the chilli jam a bit too salty for my liking.
I opted for a black sesame panacotta which was exactly what I wanted: a light dessert with strong flavours. It came with an espresso ice cream that was really good, too…
…and a very happy message that put a smile on my face the way it did my belly!
I absolutely loved my experience at Dinings and I couldn’t think of any other place to have had my birthday dinner this year. Service was excellent and the food was amazing - possibly some of the best Japanese I’ve had in London. It’s truly a fantastic establishment and I definitely won’t wait for my next birthday to come back!
Dinings
22 Harcourt St, London W1H
Ave spend pp: £60
I agree, it's such a hidden gem but amazing food. Definitely one of the best in London.
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
I agree and I hope it stays that way! x
God I NEED to visit Dinings - it sounds up to the standards of Sushi Nakazawa in NY (where Miho just went with E and where Jiro's protégé is head chef). The food looks sensational - great choice for a birthday meal! Lots of love, Andrea xxx
Andrea's Passions
I think you'd love it, Andrea. Saw photos of E's & Miho's photos on IG of Sushi Nakazawa… now on the bucket list! x
I've yet to dine at Dinings but I've heard that it's one of the best sushi places in London so it was great to read your review!
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
I'd recommend it 100%, Suze! You'd love it! x
It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday! x
I really did, Amanda. Even much better than my 30th! x
Absolutely need to try that black sesame pannacotta, it looks heavenly ! xx
It was delicious! x
I have heard so much about Dinings but still haven't made it over! And I loveeeee Japanese, so I really need to go! It's on the list. xx
Lesley you seriously should go, it's awesome! x
…I still haven’t. The shame.
*GAAAAASP* For a sushi lover like you, gooooo!
This looks like the perfect birthday joint for you, H 🙂 Sushi - tick. Sashimi - tick. Crab - tick. Matcha - tick. And the black sesame pannacotta looks to die for. Someone clearly knows you well. Dinings is going straight to the top of my list! And I LOVE Jiro Dreams Of Sushi - not a doc to watch on an empty stomach though! xx
Tamsin / A Certain Adventure
The pannacotta was yum! And yes, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is something you can't watch on an empty stomach (although I'd still go hungry even if I were full!)
Sushi heaven! I would try to say something more intelligent and interesting but… yum!
that's good enough, i think! x