Discovering Chotto Matte in Soho

We had the pleasure of being invited to dine at one of London’s best fusion restaurants, located in Soho: Chotto Matte. Serving the finest combination of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, with exquisite décor of bold, bright colours that elevates every experience to a whole new level.

Chotto Matte is famously known for its Nikkei cuisine, a masterful fusion of the finest Japanese and Peruvian flavours. It offers a detailed and vast variety of fresh fish, seasonal ingredients, off-the-grill dishes, as well as Japanese sushi and sashimi.

A Vibrant Arrival and Warm Welcome

We arrived at the restaurant at around 7 o’clock on a Sunday evening in London, and to our surprise, it was buzzing with vibrant energy, nearly every table full. The moment we walked through the door, we were transported to a different world with a chic yet colourful and bold interior.

We were warmly welcomed and asked if we would like a drink at the bar to begin our evening or to be seated immediately. Due to our extreme hunger, we opted to be seated straight away. The tables were set beautifully—low to evoke an authentic Japanese experience, complete with chopsticks and romantic candlelight. This lovely touch made us feel transported to Japan.

Exceptional Service and the Perfect Starter Cocktail

Within minutes of sitting down, we were greeted by our wonderful waiter, Sabi. He had an extremely warm and welcoming manner, and we instantly felt relaxed. We were offered a Pisco Sour to begin the meal—a Peruvian cocktail made with Pisco, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, ice, egg white, and Angostura bitters. It was absolutely breathtaking and an excellent way to start our culinary journey.

Navigating the Menu: A Curated Nikkei Feast

The menu boasts a vast variety of options: sharing dishes, sashimi, robata grill, and tempura. As this was our first visit, we sought guidance to navigate the best choices and taste a range of dishes.

Our waiter first asked about dietary requirements—always so important, especially in a fast-paced restaurant. As huge foodies who enjoy all elements of every cuisine, our answer was a firm ‘no’ to any restrictions.

Sabi carefully selected options from every section of the menu, incorporating vegan dishes, fish, meat, vegetables, sushi, and varying spice levels. The food arrived at separate intervals, like a grazing meal, which we love as it prolongs the experience.

Highlights of the Meal

We started with Padrón peppers—BBQ Spanish sweet peppers in denmiso—an excellent light yet delicious first course. This was followed by Yellowtail Nikkei Sashimi, served with cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, coriander, and yuzu truffle soy. The flavours and presentation were unlike anything we had tasted or seen, transporting us to the heart of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.

After finishing these, our plates and chopsticks were cleared and replaced with fresh ones, keeping our space spotless. We enjoyed a short break with drink refills and water top-ups.

Next came the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice—a personal favourite—spicy yet simple with tremendous flavours, served with spicy mayo, spring onions, and cress. This was followed by sea bass sashimi, lychee ceviche, snow crab croquetas, and a dragon roll—one from each menu section. It was a veritable feast for the eyes and taste buds, totally delicious and faultless.

Final Thoughts

Our entire experience at Chotto Matte was perfection. Sabi’s service was extra special—his knowledge exemplary, and we enjoyed his explanations of every dish and the restaurant’s history.

We will definitely return for our next special occasion, perhaps Valentine’s Day!

Address: 11-13 Frith St, London W1D 4RB
Telephone: +44 207 042 7171
Website: Chotto Matte

Written by Georgie and Josh for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International