Atari Ya Swiss Cottage – a state of drooling happy bliss

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Striped Jack Carpaccio

Head Chef Keita Sato and his very cool team serve up, without a doubt, some of the best sushi and sashimi in London. He loves to create. He loves to look after his customers. There are very very few places in London where you will find fresher, tastier fish where the chef really understands how to bring out or enhance its subtle and unique flavour. Sometimes no soya sauce is needed. Just ask him to create with some toppings.. and you will get something great. I know as I eat there a lot…

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Wagyu Beef Tataki

One evenining I was in there and a Japanese lady and her friend were having a bit of a ‘Harry met Sally’ moment, which was quite funny.

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Seared Fatty Tuna with Kisami Wasabi

Often he will have rare treats / specials, which you won’t find in many standard sushi bars such as

Red Clam – akagai
Razor Clams – mategai
Short Neck Clams – asari
Abalone – awabi
Tiger Prawn – kuruma ebi
Spot Prawn – botan ebi
Katsuo – Bonito
Engawa – Turbot Wing
Konbujime – white fish, often Turbot or Sea Bream marinated in Konbu
Striped Jack – shima aji
Horse Mackerel – aji
Iwashi – Sardines

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Soy Marinated Bonito with Chilli Daikon

So if you see any of the above on the specials – try them! I also recommend the Shime Saba or vinegared mackerel as it is really soft, delicious and balanced in taste.

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Salmon Aburi with Ikura

Ask them to serve this ‘aburi’ or seared… and also on the subject of ‘aburi’ style sushi… I recommend you try the salmon aburi (above) and the o-toro aburi (as seen earlier)… and you will not be disappointed.

I also recommend you ask for the specials as the chef really loves to make this and has produced many many amazing dishes for me in the time I have been eating his great food.

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Steamed Monkfish Liver with Vinegared Miso and Sansh

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Grilled Yellow Tail Collar with Chilli Ponzu

Fans of Sushi of Shiori or Yashin may want to consider eating here too… but make sure Chef Keita is there and ask him for recommendations and toppings.. and let him get on with it. You’ll love it!

Atari-Ya Swiss Cottage - Sea Bream Sashimi

The restaurant has a long sushi counter table in front of the chef’s, normal table seating, a japanese table and a private dining room with a japanese table.

Try their grilled Black Cod marinated in Miso. It is delicious and much much better than most other restaurants that serve it.