Delicious: The chef’s selection of fish sashimi at Kouzu

With the re-development of Victoria station and the surrounding area, Belgravia is the next hot postcode. Although long renowned as an upmarket residential and business area of the capital, SW1 has been lacking in choice of nightlife and restaurants.

Fruity: A Momo Awa (left) and Bellini

Located at the prestigious address of Grosvenor Gardens opposite the Goring Hotel, Kouzu is a new contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar. The restaurant encompasses two floors in the Grade II-listed former National Bank Belgravia branch, which closed in 1970. Overseen by head chef Kyoichi Kai (formerly of the Arts Club and Zuma), the kitchen is staffed by an all-Japanese crew, ensuring authentic cuisine.

Upon arrival, we were given a Japanese greeting by all the staff, which was a nice touch. We were seated on a cosy table for two, under the window and near the bar, providing an intimate dining experience. Aside from the wine list, there is an extensive cocktail list full of many original creations alongside traditional favourites. We started with a Bellini with a twist – with a peach liqueur espuma on top and mist of peach bitters, which was light and fluffy and a Momo Awa, a red fruity concoction. The cocktail menu looked so good, we decided to forgo our usual wine accompaniment for the meal and went on to order Sakura Ume and Passion Victoria cocktails for our mains.

Full of flavour: Spinach cooked in sesame oil

Fish nigiri
© Kouzu

The menu features a wide range of sushi, sashimi, salads, small plates and grills. We were in the mood to mix things up so decided to try a mix of sushi, nigiri and hot dishes. To start with I ordered the Blanched Spinach, Sesame Sauce and Sesame Seeds. Although a simple dish, it will certainly please spinach-lovers such as myself. I loved the two flavours of the sesame sauce and seeds with the spinach. My friend opted for the Prawn Tempura, served on a salad, which I was able to try. The tempura was light and not oily at all – a welcome contrast to often greasy tempura I have eaten at other restaurants.

For main, I ordered a mix of sushi and Nigiri – Cucumber rolls with salmon, mackerel and scallop, with homemade Wasabi on the side. The fish nigiri tasted fresh and rich in flavour, with the beds of rice cooked to perfection, just sticky enough to remain intact between the chopsticks. My friend opted for the grilled salmon, which was well cooked and served with crunchy vegetables. With the manageable size of our first mains, we continued with the Chef’s Selection of sashimi, a fine spread of raw fish including toro, salmon, yellow tail, scallop and tuna, which was delicious and filling.

Sweet tooth: Dacquoise and fig cake

As we were pretty indecisive with the mouth-watering dessert menu, we ended up sharing a selection between us. The Crème Brulee had a Japanese twist as it was served with Maccha (powder green tea), which gave it a lovely savoury hint. The Dacquoise and Fig cake was an appetising light dish, perfect for after such a filling meal. The desserts were accompanied by various flavours of ice cream, but I particularly enjoyed the sesame, yuzu (Asian citrus fruit) and salted caramel flavours. The sesame ice cream admittedly sounded strange, but was delicious. It was an unusual combination of sweet and savoury, and took a few bites before I was able to process the taste and realise I liked it.

Overall, all the dishes were brilliant. With Kouzu’s contemporary twist on traditional Japanese dishes, it was quite the culinary adventure. The service was attentive and fast, while the setting proved for a relaxing environment. I would definitely recommend for Japanese food connoisseurs or those looking for a special venue for a birthday or other occasion.

• Kouzu, 19 – 20 Grosvenor Gardens, Belgravia, SW1W 0BD. Tel: 020 7730 7043. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Kouzu restaurant website.

Kouzu is located in a Grade II-listed former bank
© Kouzu

Disclaimer: Metro Girl was a guest of Kouzu restaurant for this review.

For more of Metro Girl’s bar and restaurant reviews, click here.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin