7.7
Good
Restaurants

Jason Allen 03/12/22


Machiya

Machiya | Japanese Comfort Food in Central London

Kyoto.

It’s the anagram lovers’ Tokyo.

And it’s also the inspiration for Machiya, a cheery Japanese restaurant which takes its name (and feel) from the traditional townhouses of the city. Set just off Piccadilly and Leicester Square, it’s the first non-ramen restaurant/bar from the people behind the now-legendary (and neighbouring) noodle palace Kanada-Ya.

The simple wooden furnishings give the two floors at Machiya a pared-back, elegant look that’s great for lunch or a chilled-out dinner. In the basement is a bar area, if you’re just looking to stop by for a glass of sake or Japanese whisky, plus larger tables for groups to spread out.

machiya

The menu at Machiya focusses on hearty Japanese comfort food – you won’t find sushi or dainty kaiseki tasting menus here. Instead, you’ll be able to chow down on panko-crumbed fried pork with the tonkatsu curry; a selection of donburi (rice bowls) – try the oyakodon (‘parent and child’) with chicken and egg; and niku udon, with sliced beef and spring onions bobbing in a savoury broth with soft udon noodles. It’s all delicious, and thoroughly satisfying – perfect rainy day food.

And for dessert? You can get genmaicha mille-crepes (a dozen ultra-thin pancakes stacked between layers of sweet filling, a staple at most Japanese cafés), or try a little warabi mochi with black sugar sauce and kinako mushroom powder. Which might sound unusual, but trust us…

…it’s the perfect Machi.

 

NOTE: Machiya is open daily from noon – you can find out more and book right HERE.

Machiya | 5 Panton Street, SW1Y 4DL


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Machiya


5 Panton Street, Piccadilly, Central London, SW1Y 4DL

0207 925 0333

7.7 | Good