What: Jiji
In a nutshell: Japanese-Middle Eastern fusion restaurant for Islington
Summing it all up: The restaurateur who brought us Sumosan has brought in the former head chef of The Palomar for this new Islington restaurant.
The low-down
Updated 7/7/21 with opening details and pictures
Islington residents can look forward to an interesting restaurant opening their way this summer. Jiji is a new concept from Janina Wolkow, the restaurateur behind Sumosan, the Japanese restaurant which now has outposts across the world. She's opening Jiji in the Islington Square development off Upper Street.
The fusion restaurant will serve a menu inspired by Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisines. The restaurant's Executive Chef at Jiji is Bubker Belkhit, who helped found Sumosan with Janina and he'll be working with the former Head Chef of The Palomar Jeremy Borrow, so there's real promise here.
Here's what Janina has to say about it:
I have spent a lot of time travelling through Japan and the Middle East, from Tokyo to Tel Aviv and beyond, and I’m always inspired by the ingredients, flavours and cooking I find there. I believe dishes from both cuisines complement each other perfectly, and make for an exciting, intriguing menu.
Dishes on the launch menu include:
- Tuna & avocado tartare with creamy truffle sauce
- Japanese yellow tail carpaccio with honeydew melon and grapefruit, in our olive soy vinaigrette
- Roasted cauliflower with crispy leaves, on a flamed Ezme salad, with chef’s secret cured lemon paste and tofu cream topped with JIJI nut mix
- Sando schnitzel on homemade Japanese milk bread with aubergine chips
There's a lovely, plant-filled terrace too, which is going to be quite the draw on a warm day.
More about Jiji
Where is it? 6G Esther Anne Place, London N1 1WL
When does it open? 6 July 2021
How to book: Email info@jijirestaurants.com or book online
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @jijirestaurant
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