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.
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
Hankering for sushi? Take a look at our favourite sushi restaurants in London