Azuma

Just had the best sushi takeaway from Azusa this weekend. We’ve tried a few and eaten in at some places in the area, but the quality of the tuna, salmon and sea bass was great. Ordered a few mixed sushi platters and a couple of rolls which were fantastic. Not eaten in yet but I’m sure it’s better! Will definitely order again. So pleased we discovered this place.

We don’t usually head down Holloway Road for food, but we had a sleeping baby and had just dropped off our kids at play dates nearby so decided to see what we could find for lunch. Azuma is a really unassuming restaurant, although I’d be more inclined to call it a cafe as it’s very casual inside. The set up is basic, as is the decor, and at first glance, it looks like you should go up to the counter to order. But no! We popped in around Sunday lunchtime and it wasn’t too busy - about a third of the tables were occupied. Despite this, I think only one person was covering the tables so it took a short while before we were given menus. We ordered the gyoza, karaage, chicken teriyaki and chicken katsu. Portions were generous, it was well priced and most importantly, tasty. A mum and son were having sushi next to us which looked great, and they also ordered bibimbap which I made a mental note to order next time. There will definitely be a next time! Overall, service was ok. We had some confusion over communication, but we got there in the end. They didn’t seem to have some of the drinks which were on the menu, so that’s also something to take into consideration. However, our waitress was friendly and polite. I’m keen to come back here again with my kids - I think they’d really enjoy the food here and I’d love to get them to be more adventurous (which isn’t saying much as they’re suspicious of everything which isn’t beige) and try sushi and some of the rice dishes. My other half said he’d describe Azuma as “tasty, good value and relaxed”.

Food is great and freshly cooked, though portions are a little small (especially the rice portions). Tempura and katsus are freshly fried on order, which I really like. That said, this is definitely not a fancy place: lots of tables and clean but not much atmosphere, you seat yourself, order at the counter, get your own utensils and drinks from a fridge. But it is affordable and genuinely tastes like authentic Japanese food - most mains are under £10, starters/sides are about £5. I’ll keep going back.

Love this place, the chef is a lovely old Japanese man and makes authentic Japanese food with large portions at a cheap price. All hot foods are either £8.50 or a bit more than £10, the service is so nice as well. While there is a wait for the food, honestly its really worth it knowing the man is cooking the food himself and at such a high quality. I really cant recommend this lovely restaurant enough. My family goes here so often and its always such a great time. I recommend trying their katsu curry, tempura udon and katsudon. I adore this place!! Everything here is delicious!!! Ive literally tried all the dishes here.

This place stands out in the area with a fair amount of Japanese spots. The sushi is absolutely delicious, the rice is a little bit sweet which is lovely. It’s fantastic value, the rocket in the box is peppery, the wasabi is not mustard dyed- it’s the real deal. The quality of the fish is exceptional. The chicken katsu is also great. The chef who gave us our food to takeaway was very sweet. The food is very affordable. Recommend highly.

I’ve been coming to Azuma for the last 3 and a half years. Each and every-time that I’ve visited the food is extraordinary, fresh and prepared in a fast manner. The service is welcoming, warm and comforting, as well as very attentive. The restaurant has space for both family and individual visits, and I highly recommend it to others in the local area.

Really great Japanese food. Best chicken karaage we’ve had and chicken katsu and sushi both excellent and v authentic also. Very friendly staff and great to see non-alcoholic Asahi. Can’t wait to come back and try everything on the menu. Cheap and cheerful unassuming place which needs to be visited to be appreciated. Can see myself becoming a regular.