Reviews Kurobuta Marble Arch

Zomato
Rosie Alittlelusciousness
+4
There's a few restaurants I've been to that I sort of forget about.... not because they were bad or I didn't like them, but I just get so swept up in all the new openings and going back to local favourites that they slip through the net. So when I woke up one morning at Wilderness Festival declaring that I needed raw fish for lunch, everyone looked at me like I was crazy. But it was all I wanted and what I was determined to have, so off we went in pursuit of sashimi. And we found it at Kurobuta's stall in the restaurant tent. And then I remembered really loving the food at Kurobuta proper in London, so I booked into their Marble Arch branch for dinner with Emily and off we went. I'd only previously been to the Chelsea restaurant, so it was nice to check out their Marble Arch one. It's lighter and brighter and we nabbed an outside table before working our way through as much food as we could eat. We nibbled on sake, lemon, butter and salt flamed edamame while we read through the quite long menu and sipped on delicious Made in Provence rose, a bottle of which had come free with our meal as I'd booked a table for before 7pm through OpenTable.  Then our real food started coming, and apart from the first and last dish we had, everything else was spot on. The first dish wasn't bad, there just wasn't enough of it to really tell if I liked it. Salmon gravadlax and avocado tartare, dill mayo, rice crunchies and fresh yuzu zest was light, but at about one forkful each I couldn't tell you much more than that.
Nov 17, 2016
Zomato
Boozy Bunch
+3.5
What’s better than All You Can Drink? All You Can Drink AND Eat. 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, now we want unlimited food as well. So for Vicky’s birthday, we decided on Kurobuta in Marble Arch which does a ‘party brunch’  with an Australian/Japanese twist. For £35 you can have unlimited access to their buffet featuring steak, sushi, build your own ramen and unlimited beer or wine or brunch punch and a welcome cachaça cocktail.  The welcome cocktail is best avoided, very sugary. For an additional £10, you can get prosecco instead of wine, which 4 of us opted for.
Sep 07, 2016
Zomato
Christiaan Jordaan
+4.5
Brilliant restaurant! Great variety of interesting dishes.. Highly recommended. Had the aubergine, pork buns, artichoke chopsticks & yellowtail sashimi. All brilliant! Also some good wines, beers & sakes to choose from. Funky decor & very nice vibe. A Must do when in this part of London
Jul 15, 2016
Zomato
Kojo London
+4
I first encountered Kurobuta about 18 months ago as a tiny pop-up in Cheslea. Since then, their success has led them to open their 'flagship' restaurant in 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. It's situated in an extremely residential area within Marble Arch. One literally walks by rows of town houses and apartments to finally arrive at the only place doing business on that road. The second thing one notices is the restaurant's interior - dangling light bulbs, abundant wooden furniture, dull lighting and loud music. I've seen this whole hipster-chic theme done hundreds of times (after all, it is a trend) but for some weird reason, it really worked for Kurobuta.
Jun 26, 2016
Zomato
Inher30s
+4.5
Kurobuta has been on my wish list for so long and I’ve read so many reviews on this restaurant that before I’ve even walked through the doors, I already know exactly what I want to order and I could probably write up my review before having even got there!. 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.
Jul 01, 2016
Zomato
Jessica
+4
For a restaurant that uses terms like 'Tight-Ass Tuesdays' and 'Japanese Junk Food', I'm not sure why we were surprised that Kurobuta was so...hip. The location, tucked in around the more residential areas of Marble Arch, was perhaps a little misleading. Inside, Kurobuta is all dark wood and dim lighting, with Japanese inspired artwork and fairy lights decking the walls.
May 19, 2016
Zomato
Fábio Ribeiro
+4.5
One of my favorite places in London ! Trendy and popular place with friendly staff with great vibe, crowd and music. The menu is exciting and gets your mouth watering just looking at it! There are some really exceptional dishes here and you have to pay for that, sure. Having said that, I never felt like we weren't getting value as the food was just sooooooo good. The BBQ Pork Belly in Steamed Buns, Wagyu Beef Sliders & the BBQ Kurobuta Pork Ribs were so good that I really have no idea how to describe them. Top those off with signature cocktaills, and you are in food heaven. We ended up paying 75 per head which is maybe a little overpriced, but overall the experience was good.
Mar 12, 2016
Zomato
Miss Digressive
+4.5
After a week of studying, I took a break on Saturday to celebrate the bff’s birthday. Originally the plan was to go out and dance the night away, but then age got the better of us and we decided to go on a mission to find some yummy food instead. A decision was made and a table was booked at Kurobuta’s Marble Arch (Edgware Road) branch. It had been raining for most of the day so I drove down and parking was relatively easy to locate.
Feb 26, 2016
Zomato
The Foodie Diaries
+4
Kurobuta sprung to life as a pop-up in Chelsea (now a permanent fixture), before setting roots down in a quiet corner off Marble Arch. The space is airy and minimalist, not unlike a canteen with seating across longish communal tables with wooden benches, as well as bar stools against high table-tops. 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, laid back vibes and friendly, cheerful service.

Quirkily divided into categories like “Junk Food Japan”, “Something Crunchy” and “Significant Others”, the menu may stray from authenticity but there’s no denying that it is inspired. Each dish is a riot of flavours and textures, with umami-undertones to many of the plates. Flamed with sake, lemon, butter and salt, even simple edamame beans are transformed, while Hallsworth’s take on nasu dengaku deserves special mention – gooey, succulent bites of grilled miso-aubergine with candied walnuts for an extra-sweet finish. If you don’t fear the fried, then you’re in for a treat. The sweet potato fries are a must, to be indulgently dipped in the kimchi (fermented cabbage) mayo and jalapeño sauces, and if you fancy a Jappo take on spring rolls, then go for the jerusalem artichoke chopsticks with truffle ponzu dip.
Oct 26, 2015
Zomato
BlancheMange
+3.5
I tried the Marble Arch Kurobuta after having repeatedly gone back for more of the Chelsea Kurobuta. The Marble Arch iteration has the same menu but the setting is bigger, noisier and slightly more impersonal.

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), mushrooms with Gorgonzola, Wagyu beef sliders and pork belly buns with peanut sauce.
Oct 25, 2015
Zomato
Hala
+4
Going to a restaurant isn't just about eating, it's definitely a lot more than that! And we were very satisfied with the food, atmosphere and service. The place is a chilled foodie hub!
Going through what we ordered: spicy edamame 8/10, yellowtail 6/10, sweet potato fries 8/10, beef tataki 9/10, free range chicken kushi yaki was yummy but very salty 5/10, wagyu sliders 8/10, tuna sashimi pizza 9/10, hot wings 6/10, fried chicken 9/10.
The service was exceptional and the ambiance was wonderful. Would definitely recommend it and eat there when I'm back in london.
Oct 22, 2015
Zomato
Quiet Eating
+3.5
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.  Yes, expect to pay about GBP30-40 for food without drinks, so its not going to be cheap, but at least you feel like its ok value for money.
Oct 11, 2015
Zomato
Leyla
+5
The food was amazing, but the atmosphere wasn't as I expected. The one in Chelsea is more for date night, but this one is more for group dinners.
Sep 16, 2015
Zomato
Erin Niimi Longhurst
+4
I’d wanted to go to Kurobuta for a while – it’s been one of those places I constantly get as a recommendation, as in “oh, you’re Japanese? Have you been to Kurobuta?”. I booked a table for two ahead of time on the Zomato app. They were fully booked from 7pm, but we managed to get a 6.45 table at the Marble Arch branch. Curiously, it didn’t really fill up until about 7.30, so not sure what that was all about, but by the time we left the place was pretty packed so it’d be best to book to avoid disappointment.
Aug 19, 2015
Zomato
Esjay
+3.5
...ordered snacks such as the sweet potato fries... "Japanese?!" I hear you ask. Well, 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.
Apr 26, 2014
Zomato
Alina Anghel
+4.5
We had a very good meal at Kurobuta- a fusion Japanese pop up restaurant in Chelsea that will soon open a more definitive location in Marble Arch. Every dish we had was very well executed and the place has a very cool, urban vibe with a great playlist. The service isn`t the best, the waitress seemed very stressed out and after the first dish we had to wait a lot of time and then all of our other dishes came at the same time. Fortunately everything tasted really good so it`s definitely a place I would like to visit again. We started off with the beef fillet tataki with onion and garlic crisps (16/20) which I really liked. And then we followed with nasu dengaku which is a grilled aubergine with sticky miso (13/20). The aubergine was good but the miso was a bit too heavy for my taste. The shrimp tempura with spicy mayo (14/20) was great when you combined all the bits together, especially with the onion. The miso grilled baby chicken with lemon (14/20) although good was probably not as imp
Feb 16, 2014
Zomato
FoodGrid
+4.5
What started as relatively low-key pop up restaurant on Kings Road has quickly become one London’s most sought-after dining destinations, with tables booked weeks in advance. Kurobuta is a gem of a place, rare in its breed in London’s food jungle, serving fresh quality Japanese fusion food in a cozy and comfortable setting. It’s indeed very fitting to its location; it screams Kensington and Chelsea, in that it is small, charming, charismatic and the people are just beautiful boasting the latest designer fashions as they walk through its small inconspicuous door. Kurobuta came to my attention by coincidence while walking on Kings Road and I stopped to chat to a friend I ran into, otherwise it's very easy to miss as its store front is very low key, which let's face it, makes it even more endearing. I immediately booked a table. As I write this post I have been to Kurobuta twice already within a 2-week time period and the culinary highlights include the Tuna Sashimi Pizza that
Mar 28, 2014
Zomato
Hungry Hoss
+4.5
Nasu dengaku, sticky miso grilled aubergine with candied walnuts – I loved this one. With the sticky caramelly sauce and candied walnuts it could have almost been a dessert but the savoury miso and bitter smokiness kept it balanced… a real beauty.
May 25, 2014
Zomato
Cheese And Biscuits
+4.5
Duck with confit watermelon and daikon pickle displayed a willingness for experimentation and an impressive command of textures. The duck was beautifully cooked, all soft and bouncy, and though I wasn't completely sure the watermelon was a perfect match, I had to admit it was at least something different.
May 02, 2014
Zomato
Erin Niimi Longhurst
+4
I’d wanted to go to Kurobuta for a while – it’s been one of those places I’m constantly getting recommended to go, as in “oh, you’re Japanese? Have you been to Kurobuta?”

I booked a table for two ahead of time on the Zomato app. They were fully booked from 7pm, but we managed to get a 6.45 table at the Marble Arch branch. Curiously, it didn’t really fill up until about 7.30, so not sure what that was all about, but by the time we left the place was pretty packed so it’d be best to book to avoid disappointment.

I ordered what is now my new favourite cocktail on the recommendation of my enthusiastic waiter, the Green Bastard. (The cocktail, that is, not the server). It had all of my favourite things in a glass – Hendrick’s gin, midori, cucumber and lime – tart, refreshing and perfectly amazuppai - the Japanese word to describe something that’s both sweet and sour (but in the best way possible).

Kurobuta attempts a Western twist on the classic Japanese izakaya, and the theme is consistent throughout – from the atmosphere and decor to the dishes and menu itself.

In traditional izakaya style, Kurobuta offers a wide selection of small, tapas style plates, ideal to eat family-style (which is my favourite way of eating anything). Ordering at Kurobuta presented more of a challenge than usual, as everything is so appetising – and the combinations so unusual.

After much debate (the waiter came and went a few times) we settled on six dishes between the two of us, as well as a few bottles of Asahi black for the mister. Couldn’t get much more out of him on the subject beyond “it’s beer”, but the Asahi black is a dark lager beer – if you’re a fan of Guinness then this is worth tasting.

The first dishes to arrive where the porky scratchings with yuzu kosho dip. Pork scratchings isn’t something I’d ever end up buying in a shop, or attempting at home, but every time it’s on the menu I inevitably end up ordering it (and never regret it). Duck and Waffle do great ones in my opinion (okay, okay, they’re pigs ears if you’re being picky about it), but the Kurobuta ones are in a league of their own. The light crispness is reminiscent of tempura batter, but the way it melts pleasingly on the tongue, along with the distinctively porky aftertaste confirms that it is not. If I come back as a pig in my next life, then this is the fate I would hope for – to come end up as these porky scratchings. Served with a yuzu kosho dip, these aren’t overly sickly either, and felt relatively guilt-free (which, make no mistake, they are not)!

The porky scratchings were shortly followed by the Jerusalem artichoke chopsticks, served with a truffle ponzu dip. I don’t know how they managed to squeeze so many of my favourite things into one dish, and once it arrived I was even more delighted to find that the artichokes had been shaped into attractive chopstick shapes and deep-fried. These were beautiful, although I must admit I much preferred the yuzu kosho dip from the porky scratchings, and found myself dipping these into that sauce instead.

The next dishes followed in quick succession: yellowtail sashimi with kizami wasabi salsa and yuzu soy, miso grilled hot wings, wagyu beef sliders and a spicy tuna maki rolled in tempura crunchies. The yellowtail was seasoned nicely, although the slivers of sashimi weren’t particularly generous, nor was it the best quality yellowtail I’ve ever had, but was artfully presented and pleasantly piquant.

The flavours and texture of the spicy tuna maki was really pleasing, although I couldn’t help but wish the spicy sauce (sriracha, I’m assuming) was integrated within the roll instead of liberally spread on top. That being said, I really enjoy this fusion trend of coating the outside of the maki in tempura batter – I love the flavour and texture combination of the buttery batter next to the cool flesh dipped in soy sauce.

The wagyu beef sliders and the miso grilled hot wings were clearly the more masculine choices, and while tasty I couldn’t say I’d order them again. The wings were the perfect balance of smoky and spicy, while the miso glaze gave the dish a bit more depth – but it wasn’t anything particularly spectacular.

The Wagyu beef sliders had been the source of much excitement all week. A was unbelievably excited about what the menu promised as a steamed bun, served with crunchy onion, pickled cucumber and umami mayo. What arrived fell far short of spectacular, and if we go again we’d spend the £20 on some of the more Japanese offerings instead.

For dessert, we both went for the yuzu and coconut mochi ice cream, which is always a winner.

Kurobuta was a fun dining experience. In my opinion, the Western twist on Japanese dishes outdid the Japanese twists on Western classics, but I would definitely go again with close friends and family.

Including a side of rice and drinks, Kurobuta set us back £120 including service.

Kurobuta is located at 17-20 Kendal Street, Marble Arch, London W2 2AW, with another branch in Chelsea.
Mar 09, 2015
Zomato
TdoubleC
+3.5
Pork buns and tuna pizza are amazing and stand out ..and the ribs marinated in tea are worthwhile...but overall the Japanese junk food experience didn't justify the price.
Feb 04, 2015
Zomato
Dinner With Jo
+4
As is the case with many restaurants these days, the food is "fusion" and the menu is "designed for sharing." Whilst these terms are a tad cliche, when the food is so good, who really cares.

Kurobuta is located on Kendal Street off Edgware Road, understated and on its own amidst large residential blocks. 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). It is unassuming on the inside also; quite large, dimly lit, simple wooden tables and not much decoration on the walls. The atmosphere was just right, buzzy yet relaxed and not too noisy.

Our waiter was very friendly and helpful, making recommendations as to which sake cocktail to try, how much to order and where to adjust the portion to suit a party of three.

I was happy with my sake caipirinha; for the fusion enthusiasts amongst you, note the fusion here of Japanese staple and Brazilian classic.

One by one, our eclectic mix of dishes began to arrive. Edamame, so simple yet so full of potential, as evidenced here flamed with sake, butter, sea salt and lemon. Next the crunchy rice senbei crisps with avocado and jalapeño dip. This was a nice side dish (a cross between a prawn cracker and a rice cake) but not terribly exciting. 

We then had Jerusalem artichoke chopsticks with truffle ponzu sauce. These were really good; imagine the casing of a spring roll but thinner and longer filled with tasty artichoke and ready to dip in the sauce. Next came a salmon gravadlax and avocado tartar, which was one of the more basic items on the menu but very good quality. 

One of the highlights was the tea smoked lamb served with smokey nasu (aubergine) and spicy Korean miso. Luckily our waiter had pre-warned us this dish comes as two lamb cutlets so to order an extra half as none of us would have wanted to share these wonderful 'no time for a knife and fork, just pick up and eat' cutlets! 

The piece de la resistance. The tuna sashimi pizza with truffle ponzu, red onions and green chillies. This was spectacular, in terms of taste, contrasting textures and originality. Don't think Dominoes, think delicate. 

Japanese mushrooms with Gorgonzola, miso and pine nuts. This was my least favourite (too cheesy) but not bad. Last but not least was a crispy skin duck confit with watermelon and spicy peanut soy. This was really excellent, I loved the flavour and the varying textures. 

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 brûlée (below left). Both were really great, who knew you could combine apple pie (albeit a sort of de-constructed apple pie) with creme brûlée! 

At £50 per head, including one cocktail, this is fairly pricey. It was excellent though, so if you feel like splashing out, head on down to Kurobuta.
Jan 29, 2015
Zomato
Connie Consumes
+4
We arrived to find a slick-looking dining room with the requisite semi-exposed ceiling, large hanging lights, and a minimalist communal table in amongst the tiny two-seaters. The atmosphere is completed by the eclectic soundtrack choices and trendy staff decked out in plaid and tattoos- this place screams ‘I’m cool and I know it’.

There’s a decent sake list so we figured it would be rude not to indulge. We settled on the ‘autumn leaves’ served at room temperature, a fruity, sweet number, and started to narrow down the menu.

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; the two pieces had a decent amount of crab, though they were more sweet than sour, it was none the less a delicious little morsel wrapped up with a crisp nori.

The next round consisted of slightly meatier dishes, the first of which was the squid karaage with jalapeno dipping sauce. No rocket science or fancy plating here, this was a dish of moreish fried goodness made even better by the bright (literally and figuratively) 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… well... were a little disappointed to be honest. The buns of my dreams are soft pillows filled with unctuous slices of pork belly lightly slathered in something soy based, sticky and a little sweet, so unfortunately these did not make the grade for me. I know Kurobuta char the buns (I’ve seen Scott on the vid) to give them a slightly crunchy effect but they came off a little dry and chewy, and the pork needed lashings of the not-spicy-enough peanut sauce for any kind of flavour.

But all was forgiven when the roasted scallops with yuzu truffle egg sauce and yuzu tobiko arrived; this was the dish of the night. I don’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, and were sprinkled with tiny bursts of brightness from the tobiko. Just yum.

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… I probably could have eaten another. Did I mention I really like sushi?

Read the full story over on the blog!
Jan 10, 2015
Zomato
Steph Harmon
+4.5
Japanese junk food did you say? Well I thought you would never ask. You can find it all here and so many more fascinating creations at this jazzy spot called Kurobuta. Located in a basement on the trendy Kings Road, Chelsea and the other in Marble Arch, which is where I happened to dine at. The master behind all of this is restaurateur and chef, Scott Hallsworth. He's also Australian, which I only found out while reading the menu. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...!!!

Anyway getting back to the more important details. The food. If you don't already know, Japanese cuisine is an absolute favourite of mine and has been for many years (10 to be precise). Ever since I discovered Sushi I have been addicted and im still yet to visit the country, which im hoping will happen one of these days.

While browsing the menu I couldn't help but be intrigued by the assortment of wicked dishes Scott has created. Slightly veering away from the traditional Japanese I am used to tasting, I was ready to tuck into... well... all of it. Thats if I could decide what to have. The selection is certainly a up there in this restaurant. Maybe too much? No never. It just means you need to eat more right?

Ranging from snacks, BBQ, raw, junk food, sushi and something about significant others. Loving it. Starting with sweet potato fries which I am an absolute sucker for (aren't we all?) I moved straight onto the Tuna Sashimi Pizza. Now my friends this is no ordinary Pizza let me tell you. Topped with truffle ponzu, red onions and chillies, this is quite something. The taste, oh my ridiculously amazing. Tick √

Heading over to the 'something crunchy' items. I saw the Pumpkin Tempura with Pickled Pumpkin and Creamy Spicy Shiso Dressing. Pumpkin is very much a favourite of mine and something that the UK really lacks of. What is it about the butternut squash that is so good? I would be interested to find out why this is so. Verdict of this dish - FANTASTIC, the dressing was superb. Pumpkin 1 Butternut Squash 0 

My last dish had to be the Nasu Dengaku. Or, sticky miso grilled aubergine with candied walnuts. I think I may have saved the best for last. Or wait was that the dessert ekk! Aubergine (or Eggplant to the Aussies out there) has not always been something I have favoured eating but after this my opinion has completed changed. Bursting with flavours, I could tell the girls were slightly envious when they could see how much I was enjoying it. 

Dessert time. As per normal im feeling incredible full and content but as always I like to push the body's limits to the maximum. I couldn't possibly eat it all on my own so my flatmate offered to share with me. There you go, problem solved. All of the desserts looked very eye-catching but the one that stood out the most was the pistachio parffect and donut. When I saw it put in front of me I wasn't too fussed but as they say never judge a book by its cover. Can I just say that this has to be one of the most decadent desserts I have ever tried. This a big call I know. 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. This is the point where I say don't disturb me for at least the next five minutes. Did someone say heaven!? 

In a nutshell all I can say is well done. This place is an absolute must to check out. A casual yet vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by dangling lights and wooden decor, its uber trendy setting gives you that hipster 'East London' feel. Our waiter was beyond brilliant with a good sense of humour. The price is a little on the expensive side BUT well worth it for what you get. Presentation of the dishes was also something I paid close attention to. Its little things like this which make a restaurant stand out from others.
Jan 04, 2015
Zomato
Daniel Schwarz
+4.5
Tuna Sashimi Pizza with truffle oil...you wanna die for. I don't even list the other dishes, you have to pop in and indulge yourself. Very tasteful but still affordable Japanese.
Dec 16, 2014
Zomato
SilverSpoon London
+4.5
Earlier in year Mr S and I had loved the fantastic sushi at pop-up restaurant, Kurobuta on the King's Road. Owing to the restaurant's popularity, Chef Scott Hallsworth, previously of Nobu London and Melbourne, opened another in Marble Arch and made the King's Road pop-up permanent. I'd been keen to try the new Marble Arch venue, and my birthday was the perfect opportunity. 

The dimly lit and busy restaurant definitely had the party vibe that I was looking for. It's casual and upbeat with a pubby feel...

More champagne was clearly called for...

And those that wanted stronger stuff ordered cocktails, Kurobuta's Green Bastard, containing gin, cucumber and midori, has become quite famous... it's certainly a very drinkable drink! And sticking with the green theme, also a Mojito. 

It was pretty late, we were hungry and needed something to start soaking up the champagne...

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, Japanese Junk Food, Something Crunchy (tempura) as well as the usual sushi and sashimi. 

Time for something crunchy...
Nov 14, 2014
Zomato
 Grace  Holden
+4
I happened to visit this place a couple weeks ago with some of my colleagues from work while we were craving some nice and authentic Japanese cuisine. As we were there a little early, 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.
Apart from their Salmon sushi, all the dishes tasted utterly delicious. I would love to come back to this place again.
Aug 25, 2014
Zomato
Mohammad Malik
+4
If you are looking for a wholesome meal here then one suggestion from my side and that is go empty stomach. Only then will you be able to enjoy everything from the drinks to the dessert. I enjoyed a few interesting cocktails which included The Mash and the Green Bastard. In the main course we ordered a whole array of dishes. I enjoyed the beef dishes because they were flavoured very well and the sauces added further enhanced the flavour. I relished every morsel of the food that I ate and can't wait to go back again.
Aug 19, 2014
Zomato
Joseph West
+4
I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. The food was delicious. i love the interiors too. 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. the ambiance is fun, party and cool.
Sep 02, 2014
Zomato
Prashant Dora
+4
A place which invites and entices you. the menu is so interesting and extensive it is best and most suitable to just navigate and point anywhere and order! Share the dishes and discover the delicacies! It is japanese dishes with a twist which will not disappoint you. The place is vibrant and serves street style.
Sep 24, 2014
Zomato
Rhys Goodwin
+4.5
This place has an amazing ambiance with brushed grey furniture and also offers an outdoor seating. The menu is huge and everything seemed delicious. Most of the dishes seemed to be mouth-watering and the illustrations on the menu look delicious. I would love to visit this place with friends really soon.
Sep 15, 2014
Zomato
Ruby Roberts
+5
I totally am obsessed with this place 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.I urge all of the readers to definitely check this place out! It is incredible!
Sep 19, 2014
Zomato
Amber Marshall
+4
This place 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! The delicious sweet potatoes also fit as good snacks to go with drinks.
Overall, a must visit if you are with friends and are looking for a wicked place for drinks.
Sep 19, 2014
Zomato
Pavithra Badal
+3.5
I am someone who likes to try things for myself.
I don't like to be swayed or influenced by other peoples experiences.
So i try not to read reviews before visiting a place.
All I did was take a lukewarm review by a blogger.
And then when i visited the restaurant , i found it sweet and simple.
Aug 25, 2014
Zomato
 Pip  Houghton
+4.5
This place is nestled in a quaint inconspicuous area much like a village. It is quite close to Marble Arch. The interiors of this place were beautiful giving it such an amazing vibe. It is done up in a modern, sleek and sophisticated manner. It is much bigger than it actually looks from the outside.
Aug 03, 2014
Zomato
Sheepa Miah
+4.5
Kurobuta is Executive Chef & Co-Founder Scott Hallsworth’s take on a Japanese pub, or izakaya. It has become a much talked about place to dine in London – they already have a pop-up restaurant in Chelsea which I haven’t had the chance to try out… yet.

But when I heard that a permanent location was being opened in my neck of the woods, in fact, down the road from me, I just couldn’t wait! I signed up to their newsletter and followed them on social media and anticipated their opening. 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’t on the main road (i.e. Edgware Road). Our table was booked for early evening, so it wasn’t busy when we walked in, but I can’t say that was the case when we left – it was heaving and I’m not surprised! The staff were friendly and welcoming and I quite liked their quirkiness – really added to the whole experience. I also liked the open kitchen idea and the décor, although the low hanging lighting did seem to be a bit of a nuisance for the waiters and waitresses serving the food and drinks.

I had already checked out the menu (several times) to narrow down what I wanted to try this time round because, let’s be honest, I already knew I would want to go again. Who doesn’t love Japanese food? Especially when Kurobuta was offering some interesting twists to dishes as we know them.

I’m sure the menu will be changing with seasonal produce, but 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, but I expected this before I went and saw it as a treat. Although, when you hear ‘Japanese pub’ I suppose you wouldn’t be expecting these prices either. But I’ll let the food do the talking…

I ordered the delicious Salmon Gravadlax and Avocado Tartare which was served with Dill Mayo, Rice Crunchies and Fresh Yuzu Zest. The presentation was incredible and made the dish look so tempting. The flavours were fresh and subtle and the added textures were much appreciated. I’ve never tried a beef tartare before, so I didn’t have anything to compare it to, but I liked this dish and I’m glad I started with this, because the dishes later on were a bit more intense and would’ve overpowered these flavours.

This was the Nasu Dengaku Sticky Miso Grilled Aubergine with Candied Walnuts. There aren’t enough words in this world to describe how tasty these were. In fact, I loved them so much that I tried to replicate this at home, and although I can’t say it tasted like theirs, it was a fair attempt. I will perfect my recipe one day…

I went for Kurobuta’s take on Japanese junk food… the incredible Tuna Sashimi Pizza with Truffle Ponzu, Red Onions and Green Chillies. I didn’t really know what to expect here. How can you have tuna sashimi on pizza!? But I was pleasantly surprised.

I love Tuna sashimi, but it doesn’t have a strong or distinct taste. The ‘pizza’ element was the flat crispy base, and the sharpness from the onions and chillies were complimented by the tanginess of the truffle ponzu. This left a tingling sensation in (and around) my mouth! But I quite liked the dish as a whole – I would never have thought this would work, but it did.

My friend ordered the BBQ Pork Belly in Steamed Buns with Spicy Peanut Soy. I couldn’t try this of course as I don’t eat pork, but I tried the spicy peanut soy sauce and it was so rich and intense – I felt like it would make a great condiment for all sorts of food! It’s also one of the dishes that all the reviews had been raving about – I’m just sad that the food isn’t halal.

We had to order dessert of course. Especially when the ever so nice waitress told us about the talented pastry chef and so we couldn’t resist!

My friend ordered the Jelly Doughnut Pistachio Parfait which consisted of Pistachio parfait, limoncello jelly, matcha meringue, hazelnut and chocolate mini doughnuts in green tea sugar. Loved the presentation; I tried a bit and liked the different textures too. I wasn’t so sure of the matcha meringues though… it reminded me of something soapy. But hey, that’s just me!

I on the other hand ordered the beautifully presented and delicious Japanese Carrot Cake. This came with shortbread & hazelnut crumb, shiso cream Chantilly and lemongrass & coconut sorbet. The carrot/coconut combination worked really well together. Especially with the coconut being in the form of sorbet, it made it quite light and refreshing, so it didn’t overpower the other flavours which was amazing.  Each element fulfilled it’s purpose and brought something to the dish. Honestly, hats off to the pastry chef for a very tasty dessert, which was both pleasing to the eye as well as my taste buds!

Like most places these days, the dishes come out as and when they are ready. We were just very patient and waited because I wanted to take this beautiful picture of our table of goods.

I’d say it’s probably best to go with a group of friends who like trying different dishes and don’t mind sharing. Although the portions aren’t huge, it just would be a shame not to order a selection and try a bit of everything. Plus it helps when splitting the bill – it seems so much more reasonable then!

I would definitely say this was a unique dining experience. And like I said before, I cannot wait for the opportunity to eat there again.
Sep 25, 2014
Zomato
Little Brown Book
+4
A new twist on the Japanese cuisine we know and love, the second branch of Kurobuta sits around the corner from Marble Arch and serves up its food in a street style 'pubby' atmosphere. Here you will find the kind of menu which is best navigated with a ‘close your eyes and point’ approach.

Sharing dishes arrive as they’re ready, with bite sized pieces bursting to the brim with flavour. I’m not entirely sure when it happened, but a combination of Flesh & Buns, Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, The Magazine, 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, stomach and a significant amount of my pay-cheque.

Being presented with the delicious menu by an equally delicious Australian waiter, we were left in that rather annoying state of wanting everything. With more than one nosey glance at neighbouring tables, I could tell that everything looked fantastic and the general murmurs of delight confirmed my suspicions. After a monumental feat of decisiveness from yours truly, we made up our minds.

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).

Some salmon and avocado sushi wrapped in more salmon and drizzled in creamy dill mayo and presented on the most perfect sushi sized leaf.

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. And I shall come to the dessert in a minute but take a little gander around the surroundings. High chairs for those with youthful backs/ padded elbows above which hung claw-like half bulb, half insect lamps that doused everything in a warm peachy light. There were also tables for parties of any size and a grey slated bar behind which the chefs made their magic.

So, for the dessert: a crazy combination of lavender, apple creme brûlée hidden underneath crunchy crumble and vanilla ice cream. And finally, a lemon yuzu tart with matcha meringue and raspberries.

The presentation of each dish was a delight with crazy combinations of colours, tastes and textures. To be honest, 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, it's definitely worth it.
Jul 14, 2014
Zomato
Social Concierge
+4
The Vibe

Whether romancing posh totty or seducing your little bit of rough, the Kings Road is textbook great dating ground. Potter down from Sloane Square station, pick up an Ethiopian coffee in the farmer’s market, wander into the scenic courtyard of the Saatchi, grab a fro yo, find a pub, find another, and then eat at Kurobuta.

Initially a pop-up Japanese restaurant, speedy success has now secured it a permanent spot. Let’s hope it doesn’t lose some of its anti-KR edge – caged light bulbs, basic wooden tables, chalked blackboards, plaster-coloured walls – lots of lovely industri- chic. But even if it did, even if it multiplied like Zuma and put a hostess clone at the door, nothing could distract from what is one of the most divine Japanese dining experiences in London. From sticky and moreish meat dishes right down to a simple bit of saucy veg, even the opening snacks and side dishes match up with the power players. If you can leave a restaurant thinking about their edamame and curly kale for days after, then they’re really onto something.

The Order

The man behind the menu is Nobu’s ex head chef Scott Hallsworth. I’d be surprised if anything disappointed here, though for the best date, repeat this light but filling repertoire: flamed edamame with salt, lemon and butter, yellowtail sashimi, miso grilled baby chicken, roasted Chilean seasbass and a side of green veg with sesame ponzu dip. Hold the rice and sip on sake Caipirinhas throughout. If this isn’t a date, go all out on the Wagyu beef sliders and insane pork belly steamed buns. But it is, so go back later with three friends.

The Game

Book a 7pm table on a Saturday and meet at Sloane Square at 4pm. Think of the meal as a reward after the coffees, culture, and crisp white wine on the benches of the Chelsea Potter. Once you arrive and are seated, 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. Eavesdrop on the dates either side of you and store up some humorous digs for once you’ve left. Then do your real drinking elsewhere, in The Phene pub garden. Share a bottle and make your first move.

The Faults

You might fancy one of the peppy staff members more than your date.

Sex Factor

2. Full marks for food.
Jul 07, 2014
Zomato
Denis Bomtempo
+4.5
Creative plates and excellent quality of japanese tapas. Nice sake selection and a great ambience for sunny days.
Jun 01, 2014
5
Alessandra Palacios
+5
What an experience! Being from Southern California we are used to some good sushi but this was GREAT sushi! The owner was so sweet and really made us feel so welcomed. Highly recommended and take a look at these amazing photos… ZERO disappointment!
5
Caitlin Tubbs-Galley
+5
This is the second time me and my partner Tom have come here and we were so happy to be back. From the vibrant atmosphere to the delicious food, I can’t fault this restaurant. The staff are so welcoming and warm, the service is quick and food is always 10/10. We had the soft shell crab again and it’s the best we have ever had. We have been to a lot of sushi restaurants and the tuna nigiri here is unbeatable, so fresh and tastes amazing. The shrimp roll was also so good, everything is packed with flavour. The Japanese whiskey was good and the ‘drunken samurai’ cocktail was so tasty. We will definitely be back once again, (side note- the music in here is also so good, will defo have you dancing at your table :)
5
Mary Praks
+5
We had an amazing time and food for St. Valentines day. Good range from deal menu, vegan options available.Great service, especially from Ricardo(or Roberto, sorry). Very tasty and fresh food!! Yummy !!! Great cocktails and FOH was incredibly nice! At the end of the meal we’ve got a free dessert 🍮 Would defo recommend and will come back soon!!!
5
Telmo Martins
+5
Went for lunch, they have a small lunch menu of 3 plates and 1 side for £15. It's usually a pricey place so this is the inexpensive way to try their tasty food. Food is so tasty! The combination of textures and flavors is incredible. Tuna sashimi pizza is a must try!
5
AB NycLonDel
+5
Food, ambiance and service all quite good. The warm edamame with butter and sea salt is a must have. Although we didn't try them the sliders and the pizza both looked quite Good. Overall we enjoyed our meal here. 2nd Visit- made a second visit her in less than two weeks and so impressed with the wonderful service. Went with my 5 year old and she was treated like royalty. Salmon Nigiri is my daughter's favorite and although not on the menu the chef offered to make it especially for her. The restaurant really bent over backwards to accommodate all requests. Wonderful to see such exceptional service exists! Thank you so much!
4
Anish Shah
+4
I got to say I had high expectations for this place but maybe over hyped it for myself. The place is funky and casual and not what you would expect for Asian/Japanese food culture, but it was quite cool and funky at the same time! The staff were very good, friendly and lively. The singer with guitar was a nice touch for a Sunday afternoon. The food was a bottomless buffet from an offer and so I guess I was expecting much more or more of a selection. It was flavoursome and exciting so the quality was certainly there. The cocktails were very good though and so was the buzzing atmosphere so overall a good time had.
4
Patricia Altamirano
+4
Great dining atmosphere and friendly staff. Limited menu but all the dishes were amazing, You have to try the sake flamed edamames these were unreal!! The sushi was fresh and I like the crispy spicy tuna.
5
Bea Kissinger
+5
Korubata was an amazing spot to get fresh sushi and the best service. We were seated promptly given such a warm welcome and had our tastebuds explode with joy because of the flavors each item had. Not only was the food mouthwatering, but the drinks and the exceptional service is something all restaurants should follow. Service is key in my book and they exceeded expectations. Thank you Ronaldo, cheers!
5
ST S
+5
Good vibes place with very charming and polite staff. It is definitely not an authentic Japanese cuisine but it's a good experience and a place to have a good time with friends and have party snacks. The spicy tuna roll is indeed very, very hot and it comes with a polite warning and a sake reward for the courage. The crispy duck is also good, served in a way as a Beijing duck, but quite different. Thanks for the good time.
4
Lale Kumral
+4
Tatsy food , welcoming and fun staff! Loved the mushrooms, the miso eggplant all the sushi rolls, carpaccios and everything was delicious. A few serving improvements could be necessary but overall I would go back again. Liked the outdoor sitting option as well👍
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