Satsuma, London

Advantages: Cheap, well located
Disadvantages: Always busy

... a type of food I have only recently discovered and am completely in love with as it's about the only food I've ever discovered which bucks the delicious = bad for you rule. Sushi is not just yummy, it's very good for you (lots of those obscure beta vitties that you get from raw fish) and it's also low fat. How can you argue? And if you're going to eat sushi in London, or indeed any japanese food, you can't go wrong with Satsuma. It wins on almost ...
...esp given it's locatin), atmosphere (buzzing) and food (delish). Okay, now let's take these one by one. Food: The menu is extensive and possibly a bit bewildering to anyone who's not eaten Japanese food before, but the staff are very friendly and happy to explain things, and won't look at you like you're a complete moron for not knowing what nigiri is (unlike many Soho establishments). Basically it breaks down into sushi, noodle soup dishes (the ... Read review

Advantages: Fun and inexpensive
Disadvantages: None

As anyone who knows me can verify, I am always interested in food and eating out. It was my sister’s birthday recently so I decided we should go to Satsuma’s restaurant to try a cuisine that I do not know a lot about. This restaurant is situated in Soho and provides an easy, no-pressure environment for a near novice such as myself, to experience Japanese food. The restaurant’s contemporary decor gives it a stark appearance, the ...
...me feel that I was walking into a schoolroom set of a sci-fi film. Groups of four places are laid up along the lengths of the benches with a gap in between each one. I found this distance was enough to preserve privacy if you want it, although many people in the restaurant seem to enjoy chatting to their neighbours. This lack of formality was probably encouraged by the thumping music that was played non-stop. Although I did not mind it, this might ... Read review

Advantages: central
Disadvantages: mildewy chopsticks

Satsuma is in the heart of Soho, close to China Town. ATMOSPHERE: Reminds me a little bit of Wagamama (canteen-like), so nothing for a date. They play music (a bit too loud!) which is hard to identify. Satsuma is a non-smoking restaurant. TOILETS: Toilets are clean and not smelly, nothing to complain here. QUALITY OF FOOD: After we ordered we were shocked by the wooden chopstick, it was full of mildew/fungi. Mine was fairly ok, just a little bit ...
...are a bit dangerous. Would be interesting to know if someone here has a similar experience. We had Chicken Teriyaki Bento (with Miso soup) for £9.90, tasted quite delicious but it looks bigger than it is. We shared one box which didn't present a problem, so no minimum charge. Beside that we had an orange/mango juice for £2.90, which was ok but not extraordinarily good. PRICE: Seems to be ok, even though as I said the Bento Box was a little meagre ... Read review

Advantages: Good food, affordable, friendly atmosphere
Disadvantages: queues in the evenings

Satsuma was my first introduction to Japanese food, and despite plenty of exploration of the capital's Japanese eateries, it's still my favourite. A large open plan canteen style restaurant in the heart of Soho, it offers a wide range of food and drinks, at very reasonable prices (comparable to Wagamama, and generally cheaper than Pizza Express). The most expensive options are the Bento Boxes, but then if you want a chunk of salmon plus sushi, plus ...
...it. Other options, particularly the ramen, offer better value for money - a huge bowl of soup and noodles for £5! Consequently I cannot comment on the limited desert menu - but I have no reason to doubt it is as good as everything else they serve. In common with most canteen-style restaurants you get your food as and when it's cooked, so you can end up out of step with the rest of your friends, especially if there is a large group, but in the generally ... Read review

Advantages: Everything
Disadvantages: Nothing

Oh wow ! If you're in Leicester Square or even Oxford Street and you fancy something tasty, crisp and refreshing (and I am refering to food you know) this place is the one to go to. Wardour street, opposite the O Bar. The design and layout are bright and comfy (I like it downstairs the best). The food is delicious (do try the noodles, yummy)and the beer is chilled and light to the taste. I just can't stop raving about it. Plus, considering it ... Read review