Machiya review

Machiya restaurant is by the team of my current favourite Japanese ramen spot Kanada-ya. Machiya 町屋/町家 is named after the traditional wooden townhouses in Kyoto. Located in Panton Street next to Kanada-ya and The Japanese Centre. The upper floor serves up the homestyle Japanese food and the basement is a bar full of Japanese whisky, sake and cocktails. The menu is short with familiar dishes, small dishes of yakitori, gyoza, salad, wings etc., mains donburi, noodles, curries, and grilled/fried meats. Desserts wise everything is matcha heaven, Mille crepes, fondant, soft-serve ice cream.  

I purchased a deal on Groupon that had a deal of a starter, main and drink for £10.

Starting off with Machiya homemade lemonade £3 didn’t last long in the scorching weather. Tsukune £4 is a blend of chewy flavourful minced chicken meat and veg skewers, and an acidic teriyaki dipping sauce with a raw clarence court egg yolk. My only complaint here is the meat didn’t taste piping hot. 

Machiya food

The chicken teriyaki don £10 really impressed, it’s a rarity to find a Japanese restaurant that blows the taste of such simple common dishes. Grilled luscious fatty chicken thighs, glistens with fat and juices glazed with sweet teriyaki sauce lies on top of a bed of crisp lettuce leaves. The creamy mayonnaise warmed up by rice gave the dish an extra depth. The rice soaked up the teriyaki sauce well. 

Service

Service at Machiya is quick and efficient seating is limited but is perfect for a quick and dash lunch. There is also a deal for two soft-serve ice creams to go for £7 to tempt you. If you want some proper tasty gourmet Japanese food that doesn’t break the bank this place is excellent. 

5 Panton Street Soho London SW1Y 4DL