Itsuka, Islington, London

Like many other people seem to have done, I walked into Itsuka because Ah-So (a Teppanyaki bar), on the corner, was packed full. Also like others, there was almost no one in here, and we were unsure it was even open. It was.

While the atmosphere wasn't abuzz, the food was decent. We had a good mixed plate of sushi and sashimi that was simple, tasty, and well-presented. My grilled gyoza were very good, but the miso soup was far too hot and took some time to become drinkable. The sake was very tasty, and came in a few different sizes.

The menu is definitely focused on sushi and sashimi. There were a few tempura choices, some grilled meat, and many starters, but this isn't the place to come for noodles and katsu and donburi and the other Japanese options.

The tables and chairs are big, low and comfortable. The room's nicely lit and decorated. There is a stage with a karaoke setup at the far end, though it wasn't in use when we were there.

Service was good for us, and food was served promptly, as you'd hope in a nearly-empty restaurant. While it wasn't the best sushi I'd ever had, it was worth the money and a nicer experience than rubbing elbows with strangers in Ah-So.

We stumbled upon this place last night when tottering forth from an excellent early show at the Hen & Chickens. I have been in the mood for sushi for about a week but been consistently turned down by my beau who constantly refuses on the basis that sushi is 'not a dinner food'.

There was literally no one else in here so we had to ask whether they were open for business, thankfully they were as our bellies were rumbling.

We all opted for the super extra value of the Taster menu which was £8.50 and included:
tuna and salmon sashimi
edamame beans
miso soup
salad
chicken or salmon teriyaki
steamed rice

But to order that you have a minimum £10 order. Convieniently the price of one drink will make the mark, but it's a bit annoying. Still, it's a pretty good meal for a tenner. The sushi was very good, as was the teriyaki.

Feels quite Japanesy in there too, big flowery paintings on the walls and Oriental music.

I was really disappointed with this restaurant. We ordered a selection of tempura and a selection of sashimi.
The tempura was dreadful- there was far too much batter it tasted rather more like something you get from a chippy- the sashimi was quite nice, however the actual amount we recieved in the selection was disappointing. The resturant itself was totally empty- on a Friday night (!) and I do no think it was worth the what we ended up paying- considering the quality of what was put infront of us.