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Kitsu, 82a Victoria Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PW


82a Victoria Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2PW

01892 515510

I popped in here last week to book a table for Friday evening just gone. Upon doing so, I also took a menu away with me, which presented a vast array of dishes. Being sushi virgins, we were looking forward to experimenting with what was on offer. We certainlty weren't dissapointed. The menu I grabbed during the week, advised it was a bring your own bottle affair, so we did so, paying a £2.00 corkage fee. This is very reasonable compared to some places. The obvious advantage of this practice, is you get to choose a wine you are obviously familiar with and pay a darn site less for it! When we arrived we were greeted in a friendly fashion, the cheery waitress opened our bottle immediately. As we perused the menu the waitress gave input with recommendations and explained the sushi options to us in a most helpful way. We started with 4 pieces of a spicy prawn option and also some sweet shrimp. Anyone familiar with sushi, will know that each piece is an art unto itself, the presentation was outstanding and the taste most fresh. I was actually dissapointed with myself for not ordering more! This was then followed by steak skewers which also had peppers and were covered in a yakitori (sic?) sauce. This was not the rubbery beef you get in the average chinese restaurant, but decent tender pieces. Mrs La went for vegetable gyoza, which were nicely crafted Japanese dumplings. She certainly enjoyed them. For the final part of the meal I went for the Chilli beef Ramen and Mrs La the Chicken fried rice (she was in a boring mood!!). My Ramen was superior to the one I had had a few weeks earlier at Wagamama. I was also provided with an interesting chilli powder to season as required, a nice touch. It was superior in the way that it did not become bland and the meat (sirloin steak) was very tasty. The only addition I probably would recommend is that they provide bits of chilli within the dish. The fried rice was one of the best Mrs La had had, not too oily was the description. The place itself is very informal, but its decent enough inside and although small looking from the outside, the tables arent all crammed together. When we arrived there were only two other people there, although a table of 4 also arrived mid meal and a few people popped in for take away. I hope this place takes off, it is excellent value for money ( We were both absolutely stuffed, for a shade over £30 with tip!), extremely tasty and the service was very good, so a thumbs up....... I will certainly be using Kitsu again. TheLa
By m at 17/02/2006 - 16:41 | 2005 | Approved | Country | England | Kent | Other Asian | Review | UK | ££/$$ | add new comment | 176 reads

Kitsu

I have been frequenting Kitsu regularly for the last two years - pretty much since it first opened. This simply-decorated little restaurant transcends by some distance the mediocrity of all the 'high street' chains that have popped up in T-Wells. The sushi is excellent, both in Nigiri and Maki guises. The fish is always fresh and well prepared and is as good as many of the fashionable London Japanese haunts. The menu extends to far more than sushi, with, amongst others, a fine range of ramen and rice-based dishes which my children have enjoyed on many occasions. The service, for me at least, has always been courteous and efficient. Prices are reasonable.

Kitsu's location cannot do it any favours, fronting the rear of the Victoria Place car park, although this makes it extremely convenient. It can be the only reason that it is clearly struggling to attract trade. This is such a shame (despite my delight at always being able to get a table) as it really deserves to thriving. Should a Wagamama regular try Kitsu but once, there would be no turning back. Authentic and delicious, this is T-Wells' best kept secret. Do not let it fail! Mark

By m at Wed, 29/11/2006 - 16:12 | reply

Wholeheartedly agree. This

Wholeheartedly agree. This place is excellent and its a shame its not in a better position. I know they do take away but are the able to do the noodle/soup dishes for home consumption as well?
By TheLa at Thu, 30/11/2006 - 15:03 | reply

this place is a gem

Unlike the previous reviewer, I am far from a sushi virgin - I dream of sushi and sometimes pop in here at lunchtime for a sushi takeaway. This place really does get it right. The California Rolls are superb, and the tuna sushi is as good as any I've had in London. It's obvious they don't scrimp on quality ingredients and the food is great value for money. The seafood fried rice, which comes with Miso soup, makes a wonderful meal in one if you want something warmer than sushi. Also, wine lovers can bring their own bottle without paying over-the-odds restaurant prices for mediocre wine, which is a real plus and budget saver. I hope lots of you fellow locals try Kitsu and keep returning - because as the only place in Tunbridge Wells which does real quality Japanese food, I really want it to stay open and prosper!
By joyce345 at Thu, 17/08/2006 - 13:54 | reply