**Cheat's Notes**:  SO is a compact restaurant located in Soho that offers great service and a surprisingly sophisticated, fresh and tasty menu.  Loads of room downstairs.  Lunch sets start at £7, and other evening offers are available when pre-booking (see SO's website).  SO serves IPPODO Japanese teas and also offers popular sushi-making classes.  Important warning - Do not skip dessert! 

Asakusa
265 Eversholt Street,
Camden,
London NW1 1BA
Tel: 0871 3328033

Why? My friend Kazu absolutely loves this place. He’s been raving about the Yudebuta Ninniku Miso. 

When? A Friday in September, 9.40pm. This was the earliest/only reservation available a couple days beforehand. We stayed until 12.30pm though!

Kikuchi Japanese Restaurant
14 Hanway Street
London W1P 9DD

Tel: 020 7637 7720

Why? For a Japanese-y committee meeting, so we weren't in the upstairs part of the restaurant, but rather downstairs in a private party room with typical bench style seating and cushions - quite nice.

Kulu Kulu Sushi
39 Thurloe Place
London SW7 2HP
Tel: 020 7589  2225

Why? I took my dad here last time he was in London visiting and he really liked trying out different dishes from the revolving kaiten belt.  Now we always try to go when he's in town!

When? A Saturday in September, 5.30pm. Not busy when we arrived, but more so when we left.