Koji

The reinvention of pan-Asian hangout Mao Tai as Japanese-themed Koji has done little to dampen local enthusiasm for this bubble of West End glitz in SW6. Now centred around a "gorgeous" sushi bar, its sleek lines and seductive lighting suggest serious dining – although there's plenty of fun to be had under the feather chandeliers too. Attention to detail is evident throughout, from the "incredible" cocktails (don’t miss the chilli and lemongrass Martini) and “best sushi in SW London” to trendy tapas plates (chicken and shiso gyoza, summer rolls with yuzu dressing) and knockout robata grills served on pretty artisan crockery – perhaps pork belly with spicy sweet miso or glazed salmon teriyaki. The kitchen is now in the hands of Rolando Ongcoy (from the distinguished Nobu stable), and readers are blown away by his “sublime food”, as well as Koji’s “terrific ambience” and “always great” service. Prices can be eye-watering, but this hotspot is still a "must-visit, even if you don't live in Parsons Green".

Koji is a Japanese restaurant in West London that serves up a menu of sushi and sashimi alongside Japanese fan-favourites like tempura, udon noodles, Wagyu and kushiyaki skewers. 

Right from the get-go, Koji has an eccentric streak that marks it out as something unique and intriguing in Fulham. The restaurant itself is focused around a beautiful polished wooden sushi bar, where chefs prepare a wide range of nigiri sushi and sashimi, as well as sushi rolls like prawn tempura, dragon roll with eel and a King crab California roll. Interesting knick-knacks, antique mirrors and artworks line the walls, not to mention the feathered chandeliers that hang over the bar. 

Though many locals come for sushi and sashimi platters, that's far from the entirety of what Koji offers. You can get started with nibbles that include Japanese fried chicken, wild prawn and garlic gyoza, and grilled mackerel, before diving off into chilled appetisers, skewers, tempura and more. Kushiyaki typically refers to small items grilled on skewers - at Koji you have a wide choice of skewers that includes chicken yakitori, shiitake mushroom with asparagus, spicy octopus and scallops with yuzu ponzu butter. 

If you're feeling extra luxurious, there's also a handful of Wagyu beef dishes, available as tataki (torched), nigiri or as a seared sirloin. And there are main plates too, coming from either the charcoal-fuelled robata grill or the oven. 

Dessert is pretty special at Koji too, with in-house pastry chef Liza Kermanidou whipping up magnificent creations like yuzu creme brulee, and the Koji Black Forest made with dark chocolate mousse, amarena cherries, sour cherry sauce and cherry sorbet. Wash that down with imported Japanese craft beers, a solid sake selection and a curated wine list, and it's no wonder Koji is a popular part of the West London dining scene.