Musashi

Overview

I often think the best restaurants are the ones you have to sniff out from unassuming suburbs and quiet blocks of shops. This is certainly true of Musashi. A gem of a Japanese eatery located in the oft-overlooked St. Heliers, Musashi offers diners a relaxed experience with an emphasis on attention to detail that the Japanese cuisine is famous for.

They have one of those fantastic menus with the pictures, so you know exactly what you’re in for. We began with the Beef Tataki ($18.60), served with a sweet and sour sauce that made the strips of sashimi melt in your mouth, and ever-necessary Edamame ($8.40) – the young and wonderfully crunchy kind.

Next up we tried the Matador Roll Sushi ($19.10) - wonderfully fresh avocado and cucumber rolls with flame-grilled eye fillet and spicy teriyaki sauce – and for anyone who holds Ross from Friends close to their heart, they would surely understand the need to order the Grilled Unagi ($34.50), which is actually fresh water eel served with a sweet soy sauce, and is freaking delicious. For someone who had never tried eel before, I am now a dedicated fan.

We passed on dessert, instead opting for some groovy Japanese lemonade to finish the meal, which tasted like bubblegum and was served in a fancy glass carafe, which made me feel very elegant despite having just ordered a fizzy.

All in all, Musashi is a top-notch, super affordable place with an emphasis on fresh, thoughtful creations and a quality dining experience. Nice one, St Heliers.