Ginza St. James's

I saw people complaining that the food served here are too plain; however, I did find the simplicity of the dishes is the thing that I admire most. Ginza uses fine and fresh ingredients for the dishes they serve. Although grilled salmon/ soft shell crab are common dishes that I can get anywhere else, the freshness of the ingredients and the balance of the taste are the thing that I cannot expect from other restaurants. I also recommend the Saké they have. It goes so well with seafood. One thing I don’t like is the portion of the food. It is too small and I need to keep ordering.

I previously had afternoon tea at many British establishments, but today I went to Ginza St James, which has been recognized by Michelin as one of London's best Japanese restaurants (Michelin official website: The Best Japanese Restaurants in London) to enjoy Japanese-style afternoon tea. 🍵 They offer a variety of tea options that differ from other afternoon teas, such as genmaicha. 🎏 Unlike the typical British tiered afternoon tea, Ginza serves theirs on a three-tiered round stand, reminiscent of a pagoda, exuding a strong oriental ambiance. 🥪 Let's start with the savory section. 🥑 Top tier: Salmon avocado sushi rolls & Japanese fried chicken. 🍣 The sushi rolls are quite substantial, filled with generous amounts of salmon and creamy avocado, providing a satisfying bite. 🍗 The Japanese fried chicken is paired with fresh thyme leaves, crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a crunchy skin and juicy meat. 🔥🐟 Middle tier: Seared beef slices & black cod croquettes. 🥩 Seared "たたき" (Tataki) is a common Japanese cooking technique where only the outer layer is seared while the inside remains tender and rare. The beef slices are accompanied by yuzu vinegar (Ponzu), offering a refreshing and delicious taste. 🇫🇷 Croquettes (French: croquette, Japanese: クロケット) were first recorded in a handwritten cookbook from 1661 by the French king Louis XIV's chef. They have since become a beloved food, with a crispy exterior and a filling of mashed potatoes and black cod fish, complemented by a zesty yuzu hollandaise sauce. 🎐 Bottom tier: Mini Okonomiyaki. A crispy and tender griddle-cooked Okonomiyaki, with a crunchy exterior and a soft and flavorful interior, paired with okonomiyaki sauce and tonkatsu sauce, it's simply irresistible. 🍔 Additionally, there are mini Wagyu burgers. These petite Wagyu burgers are bursting with flavor, with the Wagyu beef patty exuding a rich meaty aroma, all encased in a golden and delicious brioche bun – truly satisfying! 🍰 Moving on to the sweet treats. Tiny mochi ice cream, melt-in-your-mouth coconut tofu pudding, and matcha-flavored Nagasaki cake – each one delicate and perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness. 🍵 Finally, there's matcha. A lady performs a matcha tea ceremony with graceful and fluid movements, a sight to behold, which left everyone quite impressed. ✨ In summary, Ginza offers excellent food, ambiance, and service. The cherry blossom tree at the entrance is a beautiful touch, making it perfect for a romantic date or a gathering with friends for afternoon tea.

Recommend by the hotel where I am staying while visiting London. They told me " there are lot of Japanese, but this one, you never get it wrong" and indeed I can confirm. Amazing and charming staff, high quality food and well presented and a great selection of signature cocktails. After the dinner I was taken at the Hiroo Bar at the ground floor to finish with a cocktail digestive flights, 3 fantastic drinks served one by one by Dragos, the bar manager and a suntory whisky flight. What a great evening we had! Will be back and probably each time I will be in London

My visit to Ginza St. James’s Japanese Restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. The warm welcome, cozy bar area, and the opportunity to explore the private rooms all contributed to creating a memorable experience. However, it was truly the gastronomic journey that stole the show. The exquisite food, paired with impeccable service, made this visit the highlight of my time in London. I wholeheartedly recommend Ginza Japanese Restaurant to anyone seeking an unforgettable dining adventure.