Japanese Restaurant Toku: Cheap, cheerful and extremely tasty
By Patito, published on 28 July 2010
The new Toku is here! Located next door to the wonderful Japan Centre (which has moved around the corner from Piccadilly to Regent Street), the new restaurant is even better than the old location. Sure, it’s still pretty basic in terms of decor, but the food is excellent.
We arranged to meet a friend and colleague for a mid-week meal and were looking for somewhere reasonably priced that was guaranteed to be tasty. And that’s exactly what Toku is. On top of that, it’s in the heart of the West End. Here’s why we liked it so much:
- It’s an authentic Japanese meal. We know this from the number of Japanese people in the restaurant and the fact that our dining companion honeymooned in Japan and knows what to look out for: ‘let’s have some of this tofu. It’s absolutely amazing. You’ll see.’ We ordered a mixed plate of sashimi and another of sushi, as well as a bowl of tofu (which was the richest, smoothest textured food we have ever eaten).
- It’s reasonably priced. Not only is the food an affordable price for a restaurant in the heart of London, but because this place is so new it does not have a license to serve alcohol, so you have to pop into the Japan Centre for your tipples . There you can choose from a selection of beers (Asahi at £1.30) and sakes, all at reasonable prices. (On the down side, it does not either have a working toilet so you will be escorted to the staff toilets in the Japan Centre should you need to relieve yourself.) Our meal came to £26 each.
- It’s a casual dining experience. Anything goes in this place; whether you’ve come straight out of the office or the gym, you’ll fit in. Standard white tablecloths adorn the tables or there are a few bar stool at the counter.
- It’s speedy. The service is quick without making you feel rushed. Meeting for a quick bite somewhere central? Toku is the place to come.
Perhaps Yooki Sushi Madeleine will take Toku’s place once we’re settled in Paris….
Japanese Restaurant Toku: Cheap, cheerful and extremely tasty
The new Toku is here! Located next door to the wonderful Japan Centre (which has moved around the corner from Piccadilly to Regent Street), the new restaurant is even better than the old location. Sure, it’s still pretty basic in terms of decor, but the food is excellent. We arranged to meet a friend and [...]
cheap restaurant
3 September 2010
We know this from the number of Japanese people in the restaurant and the fact that our dining companion honeymooned in Japan and knows what to look out for: ‘let’s have some of this tofu. It’s absolutely amazing.