Katana

• Visitor Information

Katana has all the right ingredients for success. An amazing location, highly trained chefs and slick d?cor combine to create an oasis of elegance amid the West End?s tacky chains and scuzzy sandwich bars. Set above the stylish International Bar it is ideal for a refreshing power lunch or cosy dinner ? deux.

Pan Asian is the buzz word used to describe a cuisine which fuses the finest flavours from the mystic east, with elements of Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese and Indian cooking creeping into the eclectic menu. The emphasis is firmly on tasting and sharing, which allows you to order a dazzling array of innovative dishes. Friendly staff are on hand to unlock the intricacies of the menu and the extensive wine list.

A sensational selection of starters included a gloriously zingy coconut, Shitake mushroom and ginger broth and a chilli salt squid which was bursting with flavour. In an attempt to sample every nook and cranny of the menu we choose a delectable main of tuna tartare served atop an irresistible mountain of avocado, pickled ginger and soy. Followed by the crispiest, lightest tempura of sweet potato, aubergine and courgette that I have ever had the good fortune to taste.

Atkins dieters will love the protein heavy BBQ and roasts section of the menu but since it was lunchtime we opted for their signature seared scallops with slow roast pork belly. This unusual combination proved to be the stand out event of the meal and the flavours lingered far into the afternoon.

Katana is named after an ancient Samurai sword and the analogy works well; the service is slick and smooth and the entire team seem focused on the pursuit of excellence.