Hot Stone is the most exciting restaurant we’ve visited in London this year. Hands down. This new addition to Angel Islington’s Chapel Market road offers up a spectrum of sizzling Japanese dining styles – innovative Sushi and Sashimi, Yakitori grill and, being in the name, Japanese Hot Stone.
Why is Hot Stone so exciting? Dishes are not by the book here. Head chef Padam Raj Rai’s command of the menu is dynamic and evolving – incorporating a seemingly endless stream of top quality ingredients – we’re talking Kobe, Wagu, Truffles. Our Hot Stone experience reminded us of an encounter in Barcelona’s La Boqueria market where, after clambering onto a stool fronted food stall and requesting a menu our chef bellowed back “I am the menu!” with arms flailing to the blue Spanish sky. In the same way Padam leverages 17 years of experience in some of the city’s top restaurants (Nobu, Zuma and Sake no Hana) to create with what is best and to hand. Dishes such as Head Chef’s signature truffle topped butter fish nigiri and foie gras topped wagu nigiri lurk off menu, in wait, ready to turn the Hot Stone experience on its head, transporting diners to the realms of fine dining and tasting menu excellence.
The Crunchy Roll, the 9 Chapel Roll, the Seared Butterfish Sashimi with truffle – Hot Stone’s sushi offering is world class and absolutely on par with, if not better than, the high profile, award winning sushi creations available in Soho’s Eat Tokyo which attract crowds throughout the week.
No visit is complete without taking on the Hot Stone. Here, responsibility shifts to the diner to execute Japanese delicacies of Kobe, Wagu or premium seafood – from first sizzling contact with the stone to first mouthwatering bite. Thoroughly enjoyable, these ingredients speak for themselves and are accompanied by moorish sauce options and sides of pickled veggies and steamed rice. Hot stone prices range from £10 to £25.
5 minutes from Angel underground station this restaurant is proving an instant hit with its strong concept, considered creativity and conscientious kitchen. Frequenting this spot is high on our foodie priority list and should be on yours too!
A huge thank you to the Hot Stone team for hosting us for the evening. As always all opinions are our own.
Website: www.hotstonelondon.com
Instagram: @hotstonelondon