Murakami is one of several restaurants highlighting the wonders of the Izakaya cuisine. Izakaya describes the style of Japanese eateries where diners feast on a whole array of dishes and bites, accompanied by some of Japan’s finest beers and wines. Murakami is located in Covent Garden and is the perfect place to stop off with friends if you happen to find yourself ravenous in the heart of London. Murakami’s interior is effortlessly cool—it boasts exposed brick walls and is unified by wood and black decor, as well as some futuristic light fixtures.
Murakami’s menu gives you much to choose from (in an exciting rather than overwhelming way) and the dishes are best shared and collectively inhaled. If you’re fortunate, you may have the delightful waiter Marco to give you the lowdown on what to try out, if you are new to Japanese cuisine (and no, supermarket sushi does not count).
(Pictured Above: Vegetable Tempura)
The Vegetable Tempura offers seven types of vegetables that are deep-fried and taste great in the way that most fried foods do. An absolute favourite from the tempura range is the Ebi Tempura, which offers five pieces of nobashi prawn with ginger daikon oroshi—a sauce topped with shavings of spring onion. These luscious prawns were well seasoned with a thrilling hint of chilli.
(Pictured Above: Ebi Tempura)
Nonetheless, if you are a fan of raw fish, then the fresh Yellowtail is worth a try. It is well complemented by the side of soy sauce sprinkled with chives. The yellowtail is also decorated with garlic cooked in milk, which is then fried. It adds a certain depth to the overall dish but you have to be prepared for the fact that you will smell like a bona fide garlic factory every time you open your mouth to speak.
(Pictured Above: Yellow Tail)
Murakami also has a range of special rolls and one that tickled our interest particularly was the Philadelphia Roll.
(Pictured Above: Philadelphia Roll)
This was a roll packed with smoked and fresh salmon, avocado and Philadelphia cheese. However, if we could only choose two of our favourite dishes from the menu, the first would be the Shiitake Salad.
(Pictured Above: Shiitake Salad)
The shiitake mushrooms are absolutely delicious and are accompanied by a delectable dressing. The second would be the Spicy Maguro, which is grilled tuna with a spicy teriyaki sauce. The tuna was beautifully tender and also brought to life by the sauce.
(Pictured Above: Tuna Teriyaki )
And if, after all that food, you have space for dessert—you must try the Nutella Cheesecake. If those two words alone don’t sell it for you, then just know that it will leave you thinking that it is symbolic of everything that is good in the world.
(Pictured Above:Nutella Cheesecake)
4.5 stars out of 5
For more information on Murakami, check out www.murakami.london
Written by Kazstarlet @kazstarlet