Vilma Darling visits Nozomi, a Japanese restaurant in Knightsbridge that has recently relaunched with a new look and menu.
Usain Bolt, Jay Z, Rihanna, Cara Delevingne, Nicole Scherzinger have all apparently eaten here, so when we arrive at Nozomi in Knightsbridge, the first thing we do is look around for any famous faces…
We aren’t in luck, but some people are pretty glamorous – beautiful tall ladies in skin-tight fashionable clothes, young men that look like they got here straight from the stage of a boy band concert, businessmen and glamorous ladies… It’s Knightsbridge, so guests from the Middle East and Russia are also here.
Nozomi has launched its new look this autumn, with a design reminiscent of a 1920s Art Deco theme with silver and metallic colours and dark woods.
Colder weather accommodating menus are based on contemporary Japanese favourites such as black cod, Wagyu beef and lobster tempura, but a special Superfood menu is available upon request for those who are health conscious throughout the year.
We start the evening with a glass of champagne and ask our waiter to recommend some of the best dishes from the new menu. It turns out – unfortunately for us – the waiter has started just this week, so he has no one idea about what he is serving. The manager is called to our rescue and he promises to select some signature dishes.
Spicy Edamame (£4.50) is brought to our table, followed by Marinated Yellow Tail Sashimi (£15.75) and Scallop and Foie Gras Dumplings (£13.00). Edamame, is well, Edamame, but the Yellow Tail Sashimi is delicious and the Foie Gras Dumplings are divine.
We then indulge in Prawn Tempura Maki (£10.60) and Spicy Tuna Maki (£9.50) followed by Chilean Sea Bass (£34) and Beef Takikomi-Gohan (15.25) that we wash down with a lovely glass of Australian Merlot (£8).
The Sea Bass has been marinated in miso and baked on cedar wood – it’s fantastic and is the highlight of our dinner. The beef dish is served with rice, cooked in a clay pot, and is far less exciting.
My guest and I share a Chocolate Fondant (£12) for dessert and some delicious Plum Wine (£8/glass) to put the final touches to our Japanese feast.
Our conclusion – the food at Nozomi was fantastic, but the service was disappointing for a 5-star restaurant. It got really busy as our dinner progressed and we did feel a bit abandoned when more and more people poured into the restaurant.
Nozomi says it is the first 5-star restaurant to offer a home delivery service, so maybe next time we might order a takeaway.
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Read our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in London, including Sushisamba London.
Note: Vilma dined as a guest of the restaurant – you can view our editorial policy here.
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