Fancied some poké for lunch before a film screening so popped into Tombo.
Sitting down you are surrounded by a pleasant light wooden environment and despite being downstairs, a large ceiling window in the centre lends a nice airy feel. I went at just before 3pm on a Saturday and had the place to myself which is handy for a restaurant that doesn't take bookings. I ordered the following:
- Kyoto kaisen
- Prawn dumplings
- Bonsai genmaicha
The Kyoto kaisen, a poké bowl centred on salmon and tuna sashimi has a lovely citrus tanginess with great textures in every bite. Each mouthful consists of crispy shallots, soft avocado and spongy chunks of fish although the courgette noodles were disappointingly limp and not particularly crunchy. They felt as if they had been sat out for a while on a Saturday slow on business but having ordered from here before with different results, I'll give Tombo the benefit of the doubt.
The dumplings were nothing special and had the feel of a second class dish at a restaurant focusing on other menu items. The price is steep for what are essentially three small, ordinary dumplings. The bonsai genmaicha, a nutty green tea was satisfying and is best served hot apparently. In mid June however, this was out of the question but it still works well iced.
I had a tasty and healthy meal but for the £20 spent, I could have eaten better elsewhere. read more