Himi is a cool Soho neo-izakaya with flawless fish - Review - London - The Infatuation
"Himi is minimalist in design, but far from it in flavour and atmosphere. The narrow front of the Japanese izakaya-inspired spot off Carnaby Street is split between people-watching window seats and high counter stools. Sure, it’s a little cramped up here but the heat from prawns being grilled and meat blowtorched an outstretched arm away make it the place to be. It’s got a Soho-cool edge, with a soundtrack of clinking half-pints and matcha-infused martinis, and Nas playing in the background as the chef hands out incredible temaki ōtoro warayaki. But it's softened by a warm, welcoming energy, partly thanks to Tamas and Tomoko, the husband and wife chef team who’ll chat with you from behind the counter. The low table seating is more comfortable, but you won’t get the same detailed explanation of the kamo udon or the high energy of the busy kitchen. It’s a lot more casual. And there’s nothing casual about the perfect dishes here. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Pause Unmute Everything we've tried hits: light tempura scallop, tender, juicy charcoal-grilled red shrimp, and thick noodles in a hearty broth. The nigiri is top-tier—the rice is vinegared and warm, and seasoned with the perfect amount of soy sauce and wasabi before being topped with a melting cut of squid, tuna, or yellowtail. Get the nigiri selection, get the smoked fatty tuna hand roll, and experience some of the best sushi London has to offer. Food Rundown Isobe-age This is only a two-biter, but it’s two bites you don’t want to miss. A meaty, melting scallop is wrapped lightly in seaweed and fried in a thin tempura batter. We’ve never had anything like this, and it’s absolutely worth getting. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Ebichili These red Spanish prawns are nicely charred from the robata, but are some of the most tender we’ve ever had. The heads are fried separately and served alongside it, and the creamy, peppery sauce is so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Yaki-Onigiri Chazuke This rice ball in a umami dashi is savoury and warming, and it’s a good choice for when you want to fill up without spending hundreds of pounds on nigiri. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Kamo-Udon This udon dish usually comes with duck, but we tried a vegetarian version that was still satisfying and rich. The broth is heavy in umami while still being light. And the two types of noodles, thin inaniwa udon and a single thick, long noodle, are both excellent, and together, even better. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Nigiri Selection You can’t come to Himi without trying the nigiri, and the five-piece omakase is great value. The fish, whether it’s fatty tuna or sweet squid, is some of the best you’ll find in London, and the rice is vinegared and pre-seasoned perfectly with soy sauce and wasabi. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Temaki Ōtoro Warayaki The hand rolls are all excellent (whatever the special is, get it) but this hay-smoked, fatty bluefin tuna roll is our favourite. The thick cut of tuna dissolves as you bite it, and you’ll want another one immediately after. photo credit: Rianne Shlebak Maguro Norian-Ae Thick-cut, deep-red pieces of bluefin tuna are served on a sharp mustardy sauce, with crispy seaweed on top. If you like sashimi, you’ll love this. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch" - Rianne Shlebak
