It may be squirreled away in Holywell Street, but this tiny Japanese canteen is surprisingly easy to find – just look for the queues. Rather than showcasing raw fish, glitz and pseudo-glamour,
Edamame’s pine tables and stools, scattered ethnic art and authentic home-style cooking seem simple, friendly and unassuming. To start, edamame beans are a must, while izakaya-style sharing plates
could include salmon steamed in miso, stir-fried shredded burdock root, octopus pancake balls or beef in a creamy sesame and miso sauce jazzed up with pickled beansprouts. Thursday night is sushi
night, with choice sensibly restricted to ensure freshness (salmon and tuna as nigiri, sashimi, gunkan or temaki rolls, plus squid and freshwater prawns making the odd appearance). Prices are
generous and demand is high, so be prepared to share a table – also check the restricted opening times.