YoishoPosted on 2003/03/10 13:44:09 (March 2003) by john. A little piece of Japan in central London.
 Yoisho is an Izakaya - often referred to as the Japanese equivalent of a pub, but probably closer to a Spanish Tapas bar in style. These are places one can go to drink and eat a variety of interesting small dishes, much like tapas really. I've visited a few of these in Japan, and have come to really like the idea of it. It's a bit hard to put my finger on why exactly, whether it is something to do with the atmosphere, or the ability to eat lots of different things within one meal, or just the fact that it is a good place to get atsukan (hot sake), I am not sure.
Yoisho, to me, is very authentic. Being in there really does feel like being in Japan. The last time I went, I think myself and my two dining companions were the only non-Japanese customers, and this is not unusual. The staff are generally friendly and efficient, and the atmoshpere is lively and very Japanese. The food is, well, possibly a bit daunting for anyone not used to Japanese food, but either the very adventurous (who are happy to order at random and see what they get), or those going with an informed guide are certain to find something they'll enjoy. Being Japanese, the vegetarian options are not at all obvious, and I usually have to have a bit of a discussion with the staff to establish something suitable, but on every time I've visited I've gone away satisfied.
As a rough guide to the sort of food you might be eating (at least if you're vegetarian like me)... On my last visit, amongst other things I had a nasu (aubergine) dish with sweet miso paste, kimchi (korean spicy pickled cabbage), edamame (boiled green beans - which sounds dull but are delicious), a particularly nice deep fried tofu dish whose name I have forgotten, some onigiri umeboshi (rice balls with pickled plums in the middle) and some vegetable tempura. Drinks wise, I enjoyed some lovely atsukan, and I might have also had some Japanese beer (probably Asahi) although I don't remember.
Pricewise it is a bit difficult to comment, as the system of eating is different - you might not necessarily go there for a complete meal. The nature of Izakaya food means you generally don't order three straight courses, just lots of dishes as and when you feel like it. However, this does mean it is very easy to spend a lot of money as you get a bit over enthusiastic about wanting to try everything. Especially when you carry the same approach over to the drinks as well. As a rough guide, the last two times I went it was in the region of a hundred quid for the three of us.
Overall, a wonderful dining experience, but probably much better if you can go with someone Japanese to help you out a bit with the menu!
Yoisho is on Goodge Street in Central London.
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