Makiyaki

6 Reviews on “Makiyaki”

• Leyla Kazim

  As Ive harped on several times before (of which you are all duly sick of), I have a regular weekly column on the website of my local newspaper, Food Bites with yours truly for Your Local Guardian. The other week I submitted my entry as usual to a lady who works there. She takes my articles, portions them up into more digestible parts (long paragraphs are not aesthetically pleasing in narrow columns) and publishes them on the site. She of course also reads through the whole thing to, I assume, check I havent misspelt, cursed or offended any powerful figures. The submission that particular week was the 10 most hated foods of the nation and her response to entry number six reflected my own, How on earth did sushi get on this list? People are mad. Yes, yes they are. Another individual after my own heart – rejoice.She went on to elaborate, Being long-term sushi fans, my husband and I visited Japan a few years ago in search of (supposedly) the best sushi fresh from Tsukiji Fish Market. But we actually discovered the best sushi weve ever had is from Makiyaki in South Wimbledon! I defy anyone to try the Ocean, Lion King or Crispy rolls and not become addicted.A quick fumble on the keyboard and it turns out Makiyaki is just a 20 minute stroll from my house. Hard to resist a meander culminating in sushi on a balmy evening after an acclaim like that, especially with a menu item named after the best Disney movie ever made.Makiyaki is situated on a busy Merton Road a mere five minute walk from South Wimbledon station on the Northern Line, positioned next to a set of billboards. Step inside and youll be greeted with pleasant interiors, smiling staff and a sushi chef dressed in traditional Japanese garments behind the counter; no doubt to delight the clientle hoping to experience something close to an authentic Japanese experience, whatever that may be. I like to think in restaurants in Japan, belted samurai swords are whipped from holders at the call of an order and in a blur of metal and kimono silk, fresh fish is portioned up with exacting precision. That would be so cool..And onto the maki (sushi rolls). Theres a long list available to choose from, with such creative names as scallop volcano, spider, rock n roll and 999, the latter an incarnation with the word spicy present twice in its short menu description and so its name perhaps an indication of the dialling action required after consumption. We of course selected Lion King, a California roll with salmon, wrapped and baked. What we were presented with on an unfurled piece of tin foil was hot cooked salmon, wrapped in soft rice that had absorbed the ambrosial slightly sweet and spicy sauce it was doused in, topped with roe and something else we couldnt quite decipher (or at least bring ourselves to accept our initial analysis of).Its cheese said Matt. Its been topped with cheese that’s melted during baking. I was quite adamant there was no way this topping could be one of cheese. It did look a lot like cheese, Ill grant him that. But cheese and fish is considered by some a culinary cardinal sin, surely and especially when it comes to Japanese cuisine (noted for their lack of dairy) and sushi? I had to enquire and guess what, it was cheese. And it was all the more excellent for it. Luscious and savoury and a joy to eat – the recommendation was spot on.We moved onto a sushi and sashimi platter, the colour from the bright and firm flesh rendering the plate a picture to look at. Spanking fresh fish is what it is, and the salmon, tuna and mackerel were all a pleasure to devour, particularly their textures; they were so firm they were heading towards crunchy. Accompanied by shredded daikon radish for additional texture and with the ubiquitous eye-watering hit of wasabi and seasoned with soy, it was a fantastic plate of food.Great service was fully exercised with a beautiful young Japanese girl tending to our needs, pouring and topping up our green tea. Is it the best sushi Ive ever tasted? Its certainly very good. Although I am yet to try sushi within Japan itself (Im fortunate enough to have a trip booked in next year which will soon see to that). The huge variety of maki rolls on offer and the pleasure derived from the first and only one we have so far sampled is enough to entice us back repeatedly to work our way through the list, as Im sure is the case with other customers. It also offers something unique to the restaurant, helping it to stand out from other quality sushi establishments. And considering its so close to my home, its now down as a solid entry on my local favourites. Without a doubt worth a jaunt down the Northern Line.Liked lots – maki rolls, chef attire, service, valueLiked less – saladGood for – casual dining, regulars, fresh fish, regular visits to work through the huge maki offering, venturing to Wimbledon for something other than tennis thecutlerychronicles.com

  January 28, 2014, 5:29 pm

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• Penny X

  Starters & Sushi are really good here & on this alone, I would recommend this place. However, the Chicken Katsu Curry was awful- nothing more than breaded chicken with BBQ sauce drizzled over the top. So disappointing after the good start. Stick to sushi & you will be fine!!

  November 23, 2013, 8:44 pm

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• Kitty Milkins

  Best Maki (Sushi Rolls) in England. I defy you to find any maki better than Makiyaki. Try a cherry blossom, a sunflower, a crispy roll or huge rich scallop roll and you will not be disappointed. I am extremely picky about sushi and have eaten it all over the world. Its one of my top 3 in the entire world. Without a doubt the best in England.Great for having a birthday party and trying out many different rolls with friends. Very fresh fish! And its not a sushi train (shudder the thought).

  December 15, 2009, 1:37 am

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• King Psyon

  Been here many times before. As the name states they specialise in Makis and a large variety at that. Ooooh can’t wait to go back for more

  June 5, 2009, 11:12 pm

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• Ayaz

  Definitely beats any of the big chains. A bit pricey but the tuna and roasted garlic salad is totally worth it

  May 26, 2009, 4:12 pm

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• Ray C

  Best sushi south of the river?. Discuss.definitely try the fresh tuna/ garlic/ roe salad…

  May 25, 2009, 12:46 pm

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