Matsuri St James

In Japanese Matsuri means festival, and it's probably fair to state that this (and it's High Holborn sister) restaurant is a celebration of Japanese cuisine. To the Japanese, eating is more than appeasing your appetite; how a dish looks is as important as how it tastes. So, in its large softly-lit subterranean restaurant Matsuri serves the traditional flavours of sushi (amongst the best in the capital) with the modern tastes of teppanyaki, all presented with precision. Favourite set menus are Matsuri and Taiko, both three courses. Managed and staffed entirely by affable Orientals, this is as authentic a Japanese dining experience as you're likely to enjoy in London. There's even a huge black-haired puppet head dominating the stairway leading from the bar to the restaurant. He's called Nebuta and he's a traditional matsuri symbol. Or the general manager's granddad (his joke). You decide."Don't be discouraged by the stark, echoing bar at street level - head straight for the more energetic teppanyaki tables downstairs. Here, chefs demonstrate their knife skills in a lively floor show that contrasts with the austere surroundings. Great service, terrific food. - © Evening Standard 2003 / Marion Mcgilvary" - Critic reviewAverage price - £50 (€70)In-house Bar Why not have a drink in the in house bar before you dine. Enjoy the wide range of Japanese traditional sake, beer and other beverages.