Harajuku Kitchen

Harajuku Kitchen brings an authentic taste of Japan to the Scottish capital. Having trained in Edinburgh, executive chef and owner Kaori Simpson wanted to open a restaurant here that celebrates the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, including a profound respect for ingredients and their natural flavours.

Inside, wooden tables, white walls and contemporary art combine to create a simple and stylish space where it’s impossible not to feel relaxed. The menu is extensive and varied, offering a truly exciting array of beautifully presented dishes. There’s a huge selection of small plates to choose from, including hot dishes like vegetable gyoza, sticky chicken yakitori skewers and tempura sweet potato, as well as cold dishes such as kaiso seaweed salad and tuna tataki. For those looking for a heartier meal, there’s a range of set mains on offer. The award-winning aubergine curry is a scrumptious vegetarian choice, and the tangy chicken teriyaki goes perfectly with a bowl of fluffy rice. The kitchen is rightly renowned for its sushi too. From the generous futomaki rolls to the smaller nigiri, there’s plenty to choose from.

To round off your visit, peruse the selection of traditional Japanese desserts – try the apple gyoza with green tea ice cream, or sample the delicious mochi, which come in an array of flavours.