A hotspot in Islington which boasts a mixed menu of Middle Eastern and Japanese – without fusion – is one with gorgeous food, interior and cocktails.
I went to JIJI with my best friend on a Friday night for some good food, a treat at the end of the week, and for some lovely alcohol – and that’s exactly what I got.
Tucked away on Esther Anne Place, just off Islington’s bustling Upper Street, JIJI offers a casual yet refined space, where colourful seating and eclectic artwork is intermixed with bold lighting to create a warm and welcoming space.
An open kitchen borders the back of the restaurant where counter dining is available so you can watch the chefs at work, and the bar is stunning.
I had the lychee and cherry blossom martini cocktail to start the evening, and I could probably hands down say this was the best cocktail I’ve ever had.
I’m a sucker for sweet things, I adore lychee and cherry and I love a good cocktail – so this was perfect.
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My friend had a more fruity cocktail, which came partnered with JIJI’s ‘face’ on the top.
We started off with some salmon and avocado sushi which was littered with tempura flakes and fish roe.
The fish was fresh and it was the perfect snack to get us started, along with some Maguro nigiri.
The cocktails didn’t last us very long and so we moved on to some white wine partnered with the aubergine carpaccio and some thinly sliced seared tuna.
This was probably my favourite course as it really mixed the Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisines and really took me into both the worlds of JIJI.
JIJI is the creation of restaurateur, Janina Wolkow, founder of multi-award-winning contemporary Japanese restaurant Sumosan which now has outposts worldwide.
Her inspiration for JIJI has drawn on influences from the innovative capitals of Tel Aviv and Tokyo to create a truly unique combination of dishes.
In Tel Aviv, chefs combine unusual flavours with creative flair favouring raw fish dishes, and clean, fresh flavours which led Janina to the conclusion that a combination of Japanese dishes alongside Israeli could really work.
For mains we shared the 48-hour miso marinated salmon, miso marinated black cod, steamed rice and miso tenderstem broccoli.
Miso-mayhem? Yes! Divine? Yes! Do I want it everyday of the week? Yes!
The food was beautifully presented, tasted delicious and was accompanied by a gorgeous glass of red wine.
Heading up the kitchen is Executive Chef Bubker Belkhit - affectionately known as Buba - who has worked with Janina for over 20 years.
Although I love a good starter and main course, there’s nothing that can win me over more than a delicious dessert.
And, wow, did JIJI do just that.
We had the rocky road, which was absolutely divine, along with a coconut cream panacotta.
We came away stuffed with good alcohol, good food and good feeling – and it was the perfect end to a week and start of a weekend.
Go go to JIJI!
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