Raw: Mixed Sashimi platter with 2 pieces each of tuna, salmon & yellowtail

Upon first entering Flesh & Buns, I remembered this used to be a basement bar I spent a birthday in about 10 years ago. It had definitely changed a lot since. Flesh & Buns is a Japanese Izakaya bar and restaurant from the same team behind Bone Daddies Ramen. The interior is quite basic, with long high tails and stools dominating the central dining area. My party of two turned up on a Saturday night without a reservation – admittedly rather naïve given this restaurant in a big hit with young London foodies right now. There was quite a party atmosphere with the clientele predominantly in their 20s and 30s. Loud music and the risqué bathrooms which have been decorated in Japanese anime porn so perhaps not a place to bring the in-laws.

With no table available, my date and I found a spot at the very busy bar with a server estimating it would be a 45 minute wait. However it appeared the existing groups dining weren’t in a rush to move on so after two rounds of drinks, we were given the option to eat at the bar so we took it.

A bit of a kick: Softshell crab with jalapeno mayo

The restaurant’s title flesh and buns refers to the choice of meat – steaks, duck and chicken – and the small soft buns. However, on this visit, I ended up ordering neither – opting for a tapas-style meal from the Small Bites menu for us to share. We ordered the Mixed Sashimi set, which included two pieces each of tuna, salmon & yellowtail (£12) served on a bed of ice. Despite the casual feel of the venue, the presentation of food was very good, adding to F&B’s reputation as a foodie destination. We also ordered the Salmon Avocado Roll, which was well complemented  One of my favourite dishes was the Softshell Crab, with fried squid, grilled broccoli with miso and sesame (£9.50), with jalapeno mayo adding a kick. We added some greens with Grillied Broccoli with miso and sesame (£5.50).

Overall, I enjoyed the food and drink. The high-energy venue wouldn’t always be a suitable choice for a meal out depending on the company (eg. your mother), however I would definitely suggest it as a good place to eat on a big night out with friends. The service was friendly and I applaud our attentive waitress for keeping track of us amidst all the hustle and bustle. The toilets were definitely a good taking point!

• Flesh & Buns, 41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 9LX. Nearest stations: Covent Garden or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Flesh & Buns website.

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