Kimono

Whilst its neighbour, Crying Tiger, was conceived as a ‘traditional bistro’, Kimono describes itself as a ‘Japanese bistro’. The contemporary décor is rather successful, combining a crimson bench, chairs with cane backs and soothing colours (pink and beige). The lunch menu features bento boxes – including kazu chicken, steamed salmon and onigirazu (rice sandwiches) – small plates to share, just like in an izakaya, and the house speciality: futosoba, made with thick buckwheat noodles served in a hot or cold broth. In the evening, we switch to small dishes and bowls. It’s refined, flavourful, even devilishly good – just like this chawanmushi with dried bonito. Friendly service