Opening its doors in 2015, Tsunami stole the title of Clapham’s best Japanese restaurant…
…from itself.
The original cut the rope back in 2001, to ecstatic acclaim from Jay Rayner. And after its top-to-toe refurbishment, it seems there’s even more to commend it.
With graffitied murals stretching the length of the outside – and quite a bit of the inside – of the restaurant, the effect is best described as an ‘urban teahouse.’ Neon-lit samurai and geisha jostle alongside traditional wooden screens and sculptural pendant lighting. By day, it feels expansive and breezy; by night, the candlelight gets ramped up to maximum glow factor and sets a buzzy, romantic scene.
This is really a sushi spot, with everything from salmon and tuna to snow crab and scallop available in nigiri, sashimi and roll form. Especially good are the Tsunami special rolls, stuffed with the likes of lobster, soft shell crab, and tuna & truffle. But there’s a strong supporting cast, too. The appetisers include a range of classic dishes like chicken katsu (served in buns), vegetable gyoza, tuna tataki and crispy fried tofu. And sizing up to the mains, highlights include teriyaki salmon, ‘dynamite’ beef, and miso black cod (not actually cod, but a fish of the Anoplopomatidae family, which would be a fun fact to tell your guest if it was remotely pronounceable).
If the yuzu panna cotta or ice cream mochi don’t touch the sides, you might want to finish off with a drink. Japan’s liquid gold, sake, is here in a compact and approachable menu – or you can plump for the tasting flight. They also pour it into cocktails like the Drunken Melon and the Peppery Bonsai. And if you’re after something less sweet, there’s Japanese beers and tasting flights from Japan’s two biggest whisky producers, Nikka and Suntory.
For relaxing times.
NOTE: Tsunami is open Mon-Thurs 5-9pm, and Fri-Sun 1-9pm. You can find out more, and book a table, right HERE.
Tsunami | 5-7 Voltaire Road, London SW4 6DQ
Love sushi? Head to Sushi Atelier next time you’re in town
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