Yashin Ocean House

Yashin Ocean House

117 – 119 Old Brompton Rd,
London
SW7 3RN
020 7373 3990

The beautiful brick building that houses Yashin Ocean House is almost so well integrated into the area that you could easily walk straight by – until you find your attention drawn by the vibrant and colourful dishes of course. Sister restaurant to the wonderful Yashin Sushi on Kensington High Street, the understated location between High Street Ken and Gloucester Road belies the stunning dishes within. On a bright, sunny day the Terrace Menu was an ideal choice so we decided to sit outside. Neatly dressed, efficient hostesses greeted and sat us, pointing out some menu highlights and offering to switch on the heaters in case the temperature dropped. Having declined, I later noted that when I was spotted slipping my jacket on the heaters were immediately fired up – they are a very attentive bunch here.

Smiling waiters and a floor manager made suggestions for both food and drink which were very welcome, especially the Japanese wine. Not a sake or rice wine, this is a smooth and citrusy white that complements the food extremely well.

Picking two mains and a smaller dish to share from the menu would be enough for a very light lunch here. Rich truffled jelly gave our salmon sashimi a moreish quality, and the fish was light yet meaty. Alongside this arrived a delicately curated selection of sashimi, each fish with it’s own individual garnish to accent the flavour, was delicious. The plumes of dry ice billowing over as it was presented was a delightful (and completely unnecessary but very welcome!) instagram-worthy touch. Edamame beans, warm with crunchy sea salt worked well with both. Service was efficient, swift and completely unobtrusive – you would hardly know they were there if it weren’t for the ever-renewing plates.

While the outside terrace has cute furniture and grass to give it a garden feel, inside the restaurant is a far more modern affair, with exposed brick accent walls and giant illustrated fish skeletons adorning the walls. Mixing Japanese influences with a little modern hipsterish touches like faux-worn leather seats give it a comfortable and rustic feel with a stainless steel edge.

If you wanted to celebrate something special, or make a big impact this is one to add to your list, but if you’re hoping for a big feed it’s probably not where you should go. Yashin Ocean House serves up light, delicate and exquisitely flavoured fish and sashimi that will leave you wanting more.

Follow Michelle Connolly on Twitter