Whenever I miss my family, there’s one thing I crave for: sukiyaki.
There was a Japanese restaurant we frequented so much growing up. It was my father’s favourite place and my mother would roll her eyes on occasion pretending the predictability annoyed her (although secretly I’m sure she loved the special treatment she got from staff - I think we all did). They had the best sukiyaki in town and I would always, always, always be filled to the brim with bowls of the lot, and belly laughs with my fam.
Unforch, London is not particularly a place for out-of-this-world Japanese food and sukiyaki is not something you’d commonly find in menus.
So when Y mentioned Tokimeite has sukiyaki, I HAD TO.
Just around the corner from Regent Street and a few hops away from
Sketch, Tokimeite takes over the spot where Sakura used to be. It’s the baby of seven-Michelin-starred Kyoto chef Yoshiihiro Murata (though he doesn’t cook here) and acclaimed designer Yasumichi Morata. The menu reflects traditional Jap cuisine with a nod to Wagyu beef whilst the space, set on three floors, has a cool elegance reflecting fire, wood and water.
I’ve had a few issues with restaurant service lately so I was keeping my fingers crossed for a bit of luck this time. Luckily we had a rather nice server (though at times overly enthusiastic and slightly sales-y) who took care of us. He said Tokimeite meant “lust” whereas everywhere else says “anticipation” (ie butterflies in your stomach) which I thought was cute.
But let’s get on with food.
We ordered the karaage (£10) as soon as we saw a Japanese guest from a neighbouring table nod - with closed eyes - his appreciation. The coating was delicious and the chicken was juicy. A bit on the salty side, but tolerable with a squeeze of lemon/lime juice.
The sashimi goshu (£22) is a very attractive bento of sashimi. There are five types - scallop, seabass, salmon, yellowtail, tuna - all of which were very fresh and of prime cuts. The sweetness of each fish pulled through and one can’t help but wish to have more magically on the plate. I could seriously have this all as a starter and eat more.
Salmon sashimi is usually boring for me, but my goodness this was outstanding.
I have to say this was one of the finest tuna sashimi I’ve had in town (
probs second best to Dinings in Marylebone). It was a slice of
chutoro (medium fatty tuna) which was rather fresh and melt-in-your-mouth. You don’t need soy sauce to enhance the umami taste.
The soft-shell crab roll (£14) was quite nice with a generous portion of crab meat. The salmon roe was quite a nice touch as it gave a nice texture and bursts of umami.
We ordered a glass of Chateau d’Astros Rosé each (£9) whilst the highlight of the night was being set up. One can’t ignore the Wagyu offering, and as it’s been a while since I’ve had sukiyaki, we just had to get the Wagyu sukiyaki (£45). I can’t tell you how excited I was for this dish.
Tokimeite’s sukiyaki is a glamorised version, with the Wagyu cut aiming to grab the spotlight and the fine shavings of truffle its sidekick. Served with watercress, a truffle mayo cream and a whole lot of onions, it’s definitely not traditional.
The broth is thick and intensely sweet - and it called for some carbs. Normally I have my sukiyaki with konnyaku noodles but they didn’t have it and suggested rice instead. The flavour was definitely bold but I like my sukiyaki with cleaner flavours. Not to say it wasn’t good because it was - but it wasn’t what I expected. Did it take me back to my childhood? A little bit, but I missed the abundance of veg like sprouts, Chinese cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, etc. Will I order it again? Yes, I think so.
That beef tho. You have to be very careful to not overcook it. But yes, that beef. *insert lovestruck emoji*
I liked Tokimeite. It’s nice to find a place to go to for sukiyaki. Portions aren’t for the hungry but rest assured you’re paying for quality here. Service is decent and the ambience is fantastic - it’s the type of place you’d have dainty dindins with a girl friend or four, or a place you can take a first date to. I’m raring to go back to try more dishes. It definitely was a good first impression.
Tokimeite
23 Conduit St, London W1S
Ave spend pp: £60 a la carte. Set menus are £25 for lunch and £55/£75 for dinner.
Have fun!
Ahh I'm interested to go but I thought it looked super pricey and probably wouldn't be as good as Roka. Do you want to go together?
Let's set the date! x 🙂
seems really elegant and delicious
Definitely gorgeous! 🙂
You had me at the sashimi but I'm still not sure about the sukiyaki - I'm with you on preference for lighter broth and more vegetables! I was also put off my the price and was hanging out for more reviews - I'd definitely consider it now!
The whole wagyu beef thing is hyped, I think. I'm not really keen as I believe good beef is good beef. They do have decent enough set menus which I'll go try next time! 🙂
How unfortunate with the service. We have to break that string of luck. When are we meeting?
Haha, service was fine, but seriously that server was hilariously making up things! Soon, I hope!
Sounds like a lovely new place to check out as soon as I'm back in London 🙂 xx
Come back soon and let's hang!!!
I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS! 😀 <3 Miss you gurl. Lots of Andrea xxx
Andrea's Passions
ME TOO!!! Miss you more x
Can't help but hum that Japanese song from the 60s when I see the word 'sukiyaki' (Pavlovian reaction!) Sashimi looks absolutely delightful, and I love love love that you based your karaage order on the body language of your Japanese dining neighbour! xx
Tamsin / A Certain Adventure
Ahahaha, me too, actually - also because I had to sing that song in the school choir before (no talent here, I just joined for fun haha).