Fujiyama Restaurant

Fujiyama (not to be confused with the New Fujiyama brand in Brixton etc) is one of the only Japanese restaurants in Essex not associated with a chain, and happily this shows in the best possible way. It’s interior décor isn’t showy or especially sleek, but that’s not the point of Fujiyama. Simplicity and great food are the key.
Staff are consistently friendly and helpful, making menu recommendations depending on how hungry you are! The sushi chef works quickly and keenly, and is hypnotic to watch as he goes through the ritual of making up sashimi and hand rolls etc.
Sushi to eat in or to take out is excellent. The fish is always at the perfect temperature, and the rice has just the right consistency/​stickiness not to fall apart at the touch of a chopstick. The tempura vegetables are also noteworthy for their crunchiness and lightness.
I’m eager to go back for teppanyaki with a group, as the specialist chef dishes up heavenly looking and smelling morsels with a bit of theatre thrown in at the hotplate for good measure.
Fujiyama is a stand-​out dining experience in a market dominated by pan-​European fare. Hoping to add a fifth star to my review once I’ve had the teppanyaki!