Kurobuta (Marble Arch)

• Its head chef is Scott Hallsworth
• Mr Hallsworth did not grace the dining room with his presence today
• Apparently he was a running a cookery class in Spain
• Though in Japan an izakaya is really a bar that serves a bit of food to go with your beer or sake
• Whereas Kurobata is clearly a restaurant
• The dining room is quite large
• The wine list was printed on two back to back pages and had plenty of New World choices but
• Our customers are a clueless bunch when it comes to wine
• The rice on which it was served was cold
• Much better was tempura of prawns (£
• 9) came with Japanese barbecue sauce and was pleasant enough
• In this case a pre bought wheat tortilla that was fried as the base
• 47 for lunch with just water to drink
• Especially given that they do not appear to know how sushi is supposed to be served
• It would seem best to stick to the grilled and other items when ordering
• The Kings Road is textbook great dating ground
• Nothing could distract from what is one of the most divine Japanese dining experiences in London
• Even the opening snacks and side dishes match up with the power players
• The man behind the menu is Nobu&rsquo
• Roasted Chilean seasbass and a side of green veg with sesame ponzu dip
• So go back later with three friends
• Strike up a rapport with the staff and quickly establish some informality
• Spend 90 minutes enjoying the food and drink with one token cocktail each
• Here you will find the kind of menu which is best navigated with a &lsquo
• Hakkasan and generally feeling the need for sushi at all times of the day has confirmed that this it is without a doubt the food of the Orient which has my heart
• Being presented with the delicious menu by an equally delicious Australian waiter
• We went for the most bizarre sticky duck and watermelon salad I've ever seen (I like bizarre so this was by no means a problem)
• Hirata buns with a peanuty dipping/ drizzling/ dunking sauce
• Chicken wings covered in sweet and sticky sauce with a hint of chilli and a great juicy squeeze of lemon juice
• High chairs for those with youthful backs/ padded elbows above which hung claw like half bulb
• A lemon yuzu tart with matcha meringue and raspberries
• The presentation of each dish was a delight with crazy combinations of colours
• I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting but this surpassed all these unidentified expectations
• Make sure your pockets are slightly heavier because this is a little pricey for the casual dining vibe but if your experience is anything like mine
• I ordered a Kirin Ichiban beer with the frozen foam top
• The squid kara age was something different from the usual chicken version that I tend to order if available on the menu
• I would have preferred a stronger jalapeno flavour in the sauce with more of a spicy kick to it
• The aubergine was grilled well and had a nice
• The salmon was finely chopped and the rice crunchies were a nice touch
• We also ordered the BBQ pork belly steamed buns which was well marinated and tender
• The scallops were cooked well
• There was also a bitter aftertaste from the fried lotus roots which were slightly burnt
• We ordered one snow crab sushi dish the crab was fried in a light crispy batter
• The second was an apple crumble based dessert
• The background music which was initially quite unnoticeable also became very loud later on in the evening
• I was quite excited looking at what's on the menu Scott Hallsworth's list of fusion dishes was impressive
• Everything with a little twist
• Sticky Miso Grilled Aubergine with Candied Walnuts
• Would expect a bit more on the taste with this sort of prices
• Not the place of choice if you are expecting a quiet
• When I heard that a permanent location was being opened in my neck of the woods
• As soon as they were taking bookings
• I booked a table for myself and my best friend at the end of their first week and counted down the days
• I thought the location was quite fitting and appreciated the fact it wasn&rsquo
• T say that was the case when we left &ndash
• Especially when Kurobuta was offering some interesting twists to dishes as we know them
• M sure the menu will be changing with seasonal produce
• I just wanted to share what was on offer during my visit
• It has to be said that it was a bit on the pricey side
• I ordered the delicious Salmon Gravadlax and Avocado Tartare which was served with Dill Mayo
• The presentation was incredible and made the dish look so tempting
• The flavours were fresh and subtle and the added textures were much appreciated
• Because the dishes later on were a bit more intense and would&rsquo
• This was the Nasu Dengaku Sticky Miso Grilled Aubergine with Candied Walnuts
• The incredible Tuna Sashimi Pizza with Truffle Ponzu
• The sharpness from the onions and chillies were complimented by the tanginess of the truffle ponzu
• My friend ordered the BBQ Pork Belly in Steamed Buns with Spicy Peanut Soy
• I tried the spicy peanut soy sauce and it was so rich and intense &ndash
• Especially with the coconut being in the form of sorbet
• S probably best to go with a group of friends who like trying different dishes and don&rsquo
• I would definitely say this was a unique dining experience
• Kurobuta (Marble Arch) is nestled in a quaint inconspicuous area much like a village
• The interiors of Kurobuta (Marble Arch) were beautiful giving it such an amazing vibe
• Kurobuta (Marble Arch) is a good restaurant if you are looking for a good place to have drinks with friends
• What works best here are the small platters of snacks that go perfectly with the alcohol
• The 'junk food Japan' platter offered here is something everyone should definitely try
• A must visit if you are with friends and are looking for a wicked place for drinks
• I totally am obsessed with Kurobuta (Marble Arch) and this is on the top of my most recommended restaurant list for sure
• I think the place is absolutely fantastic as the service
• Ambiance and the food are all equally awesome
• Kurobuta (Marble Arch) has an amazing ambiance with brushed grey furniture and also offers an outdoor seating
• I would love to visit Kurobuta (Marble Arch) with friends really soon
• The menu is so interesting and extensive it is best and most suitable to just navigate and point anywhere and order
• It is japanese dishes with a twist which will not disappoint you
• The major reason for me to not come back here is their appalling service
• Their were a lot of staff members on each floor but all of them were highly inefficient and not willing to take your orders easily
• We finally got the five small dishes that we ordered along with a bottle of beer
• The prices are steep but i guess it is for the quality of food that you get
• The barman approached me quickly and i was offered my drink in a jiffy
• If you are looking for a wholesome meal here then one suggestion from my side and that is go empty stomach
• I enjoyed the beef dishes because they were flavoured very well and the sauces added further enhanced the flavour
• I found the food to be quite good but is also quite expensive for the quality offered
• The flavours are unique and innovative though
• The tuna sashimi pizza is something you must try
• Kurobuta (Marble Arch) is definitely worth a visit
• We were told some of it was not even available
• I happened to visit Kurobuta (Marble Arch) a couple weeks ago with some of my colleagues from work while we were craving some nice and authentic Japanese cuisine
• We were given a table of our choice and the server was quite friendly about the recommendations
• Almost all the dishes were professionally prepared and tasted amazing
• The presentation of the food was worth appreciating
• The highlight of the meal was the dessert which was way to delicious
• It had crispy apple slices with vanilla ice cream
• The place was over crowded and the staff was not at all coordinated
• The food served was average and the services lacked efficiency
• Both of who were very courteous and friendly
• Most of the dishes that we ordered were amazing and the drinks were nicely prepared as well
• My birthday was the perfect opportunity
• It's casual and upbeat with a pubby feel
• More champagne was clearly called
• I'd loved the artichoke chopsticks with truffle ponzu dip when we'd visited King's Road so I quickly ordered these straight away to share
• The menu at Kurobuta is quite different to your average Japanese and there is a choice of snacks
• Tuna Sashimi Pizza with truffle oil
• The master behind all of this is restaurateur and chef
• Japanese cuisine is an absolute favourite of mine and has been for many years (10 to be precise)
• The selection is certainly a up there in this restaurant
• Now my friends this is no ordinary Pizza let me tell you
• I saw the Pumpkin Tempura with Pickled Pumpkin and Creamy Spicy Shiso Dressing
• Sticky miso grilled aubergine with candied walnuts
• I could tell the girls were slightly envious when they could see how much I was enjoying it
• All of the desserts looked very eye catching but the one that stood out the most was the pistachio parffect and donut
• The parfait which resembled the look of cheese was creamy and went so well with the sugary coated donut
• Mixed with a 'to die for' peanut caramel sauce you could say that I was getting three for the price of one here
• Kurobuta (Marble Arch) is an absolute must to check out
• Our waiter was beyond brilliant with a good sense of humour
• Presentation of the dishes was also something I paid close attention to
• We arrived to find a slick looking dining room with the requisite semi exposed ceiling
• The atmosphere is completed by the eclectic soundtrack choices and trendy staff decked out in plaid and tattoos Kurobuta (Marble Arch) screams &lsquo
• First out of the blocks was a yellowtail sashimi with kizami wasabi salsa and yuzu soy
• A delicate plate of yellowtail with the most inoffensive hint of wasabi
• Made heavenly the zingy yuzu soy it was swimming in
• Next was a spicy tuna maki rolled in little tempura crunchies what are these you wonder
• Just imagine a perfect sushi roll filled with saucy hunks of spicy tuna
• Then covered with mini rice bubbles
• The extra texture they give is surprising and just damn good
• We finished this first round with the intriguing sweet and sour snow crab with yuzu kosho mayo sushi
• Though they were more sweet than sour
• It was none the less a delicious little morsel wrapped up with a crisp nori
• The first of which was the squid karaage with jalapeno dipping sauce
• Equally tasty and unphotogonic (or it could just be my poor skills) was the miso grilled baby chicken with spicy lemon garlic sauce
• I generally like anything miso is associated with and this was no exception
• It helped that the pieces were still moist and the skin was crispy with some nicely charred bits
• We then sunk our teeth into the famed BBQ pork belly steamed buns with spicy peanut sauce and&hellip
• The buns of my dreams are soft pillows filled with unctuous slices of pork belly lightly slathered in something soy based
• All was forgiven when the roasted scallops with yuzu truffle egg sauce and yuzu tobiko arrived
• T need to tell you that the scallops were plump and well seared
• What you should know is that they were drizzled with the most luxurious sauce oozing with truffle flavour
• Were sprinkled with tiny bursts of brightness from the tobiko
• Then because we are truly piggy
• We finished off on a fresher note with a salmon gravadlax and avocado maki with dill mayo
• It was not only a pretty way to end but a tasty one with a generous amount of salmon both in and on top of the roll&hellip
• As is the case with many restaurants these days
• Whilst these terms are a tad cliche
• In fact I don't think it even says Kurobuta anywhere outside (I say this with some uncertainty as I haven't had 20
• 20 vision since I was five and dinner with jo was at 5pm)
• The atmosphere was just right
• Our waiter was very friendly and helpful
• I was happy with my sake caipirinha
• Next the crunchy rice senbei crisps with avocado and jalapeñ
• We then had Jerusalem artichoke chopsticks with truffle ponzu sauce
• Imagine the casing of a spring roll but thinner and longer filled with tasty artichoke and ready to dip in the sauce
• One of the highlights was the tea smoked lamb served with smokey nasu (aubergine) and spicy Korean miso
• The tuna sashimi pizza with truffle ponzu
• Japanese mushrooms with Gorgonzola
• Last but not least was a crispy skin duck confit with watermelon and spicy peanut soy
• The beauty of Kurobuta is the dishes are small so you don't fill up and there is still room to sample the desserts
• We picked roasted pineapple with shortbread
• Crumble and caramel (below right) and apple pie with creme brû
• Who knew you could combine apple pie (albeit a sort of de constructed apple pie) with creme brû
• Pork buns and tuna pizza are amazing and stand out
• The ribs marinated in tea are worthwhile
• By the time we left the place was pretty packed so it&rsquo
• I ordered what is now my new favourite cocktail on the recommendation of my enthusiastic waiter
• S both sweet and sour (but in the best way possible)
• Ideal to eat family style (which is my favourite way of eating anything)
• As everything is so appetising &ndash
• The Asahi black is a dark lager beer &ndash
• Re a fan of Guinness then this is worth tasting
• The first dishes to arrive where the porky scratchings with yuzu kosho dip
• The Kurobuta ones are in a league of their own
• The light crispness is reminiscent of tempura batter
• The porky scratchings were shortly followed by the Jerusalem artichoke chopsticks
• Once it arrived I was even more delighted to find that the artichokes had been shaped into attractive chopstick shapes and deep fried
• Yellowtail sashimi with kizami wasabi salsa and yuzu soy
• The yellowtail was seasoned nicely
• Nor was it the best quality yellowtail I&rsquo
• The flavours and texture of the spicy tuna maki was really pleasing
• M assuming) was integrated within the roll instead of liberally spread on top
• The wagyu beef sliders and the miso grilled hot wings were clearly the more masculine choices
• I would definitely go again with close friends and family
• At least they were accompanied by a spicy ponzu esque sauce which was tangy and delicious
• The sweet potato fries themselves were crunchy and the perfect start to the meal
• The one in Chelsea is more for date night
• It's nice to find a Japanese izakaya in London and I think this is for the food at least
• One of the best I've had so far
• Free range chicken kushi yaki was yummy but very salty 5/10
• The service was exceptional and the ambiance was wonderful
• I think in an attempt to bring things out in a more or less even way for the whole table (there were 7 of us) many of the dishes were not served hot
• It's a shame because the food is actually very good and the Japanese inspired menu very inventive
• Some of my favourites are the tea smoked lamb (pictured)
• Wagyu beef sliders and pork belly buns with peanut sauce
• Not unlike a canteen with seating across longish communal tables with wooden benches
• Natural light is aplenty and prettily complemented by the multitude of lamps hanging from the ceiling encasing halogen bulbs in wire cages
• The ambience at lunch is quiet and lazy
• While evenings are buzzy and bustling
• Antipodean influences are felt throughout in the unhurried
• Even simple edamame beans are transformed
• Succulent bites of grilled miso aubergine with candied walnuts for an extra sweet finish
• Then go for the jerusalem artichoke chopsticks with truffle ponzu dip
• Originally the plan was to go out and dance the night away
• A decision was made and a table was booked at Kurobuta&rsquo
• It had been raining for most of the day so I drove down and parking was relatively easy to locate
• Trendy and popular place with friendly staff with great vibe
• I never felt like we weren't getting value as the food was just sooooooo good
• The BBQ Kurobuta Pork Ribs were so good that I really have no idea how to describe them
• Top those off with signature cocktaills
• We ended up paying 75 per head which is maybe a little overpriced
• I'm not sure why we were surprised that Kurobuta was so
• A girls lunch with Mum is the perfect reason to put my pre organised Kurobuta plan into action and we take the sprog and head off to Marble Arch
• I've dined here on several occasions so I thought it was appropriate that I provide a review one of these days
• The first thing that one notices about Kurobuta is it's quirky location
• The second thing one notices is the restaurant's interior dangling light bulbs
• The Boozy Bunchers have become pretty spoiled with some great brunch options in London and are now keen for more than just a couple of hours of unlimited boozing
• The welcome cocktail is best avoided
• Not because they were bad or I didn't like them
• It was all I wanted and what I was determined to have
• So I booked into their Marble Arch branch for dinner with Emily and off we went
• A bottle of which had come free with our meal as I'd booked a table for before 7pm through OpenTable
• Kurobuta in Marble Arch was the spot for an impromptu Friday night dinner
• Kurobuta is casual and serves Japanese style tapas in a chilled out setting with feel good tunes playing in the background
• They have a huge range of cocktails and also serve their Asahi beer with a frosted head &ndash
• Seriously overpriced tapas type eatery with small portions and really slow service
• Everything is in small portions
• Their Salmon is just on point

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