The top line: Wild Group’s George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev, the team behind Goodman, Beast, Wild Tavern, Wild, Belvedere, Pinna and Chelsea Grill, have opened a new Japanese restaurant, Wild Izakaya, on Old Jewry. The restaurant aims to bring authentic izakaya dining to London with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking.
The menu: The dining experience is brought entirely by Japanese chefs, led by executive chef Satoru Hashimoto. The menu includes nigiri, sashimi, maki and temaki, alongside a selection of skewers including wagyu kushi with kouji sweet soy; negima kushi – jidori chicken with spring onion; and kamonegi – duck breasts with spring onion. Also on offer is a selection of deep-fried dishes such as chicken karaage and agedashi tofu, as well as gohan (Japanese rice) cooked in a cast iron pot with a choice of prawn, wagyu or mushrooms. The concise dessert list offers a choice of matcha, strawberry or chocolate-flavoured ice cream; or fruit. Completing the offer is the drinks list consisting of Japanese-inspired cocktails such as the muscat pisco sour and plum Manhattan, as well as sake, wine and over 8 Japanese beers.
The vibe: The space features an open kitchen, where guests can watch the chefs at work from the counter seats. Taking inspiration from a traditional izakaya, the restaurant includes neon signage, warm lighting and a projector to screen classic Japanese films.
And another thing: Executive chef Satoru Hashimoto previously led the kitchen at Koyn in Mayfair as well as several Nobu locations.
33 Old Jewry, London, EC2V 8EY / www.wildizakaya.co.uk/