Miyajima, Battersea Review

Good Points
Looks nice
Nice soup and Pho's

Bad Points
Sushi rolls far too much rice
Long waiting times (over an hour)
Staff not helpful
Sit everyone right next to one another regardless how busy

General Comments
Miyajima is a nice looking restaurant on Lavender Hill, finally opening after the longest fit-out in history late 2008. Its definitely welcoming and I was excited to go here as I am an avid sushi eater. The soups and pho's are nice, but I have to say the actual sushi (sashimi, maki and nigiri) did not leave me impressed at all. I have now been there 4 times since opening, each to give the place a chance to settle in but unfortunately, each gets worse. You can't say I haven't tried! My first moan is the amount of rice they compile around the maki rolls, its incredible, I've never had a roll like it, and then contents are so few its incredible. The other day they promoted a special spicy Tuna roll. The roll had something in it, but I tell you, it wasn't good Tuna. Thankfully, the staff, after working through the ranks, gave me a refund on the dish. Secondly, I went in to the restaurant last week and ordered. The place was 60% full and I was told I needed to wait 45 mins for my sashimi platter. My wife and I decided to give it a go... we waited over an hour and while the sashimi was nice tasting I don't think I should have to wait that long for it... especially without a complimentary drink or something. Anyway, without going on much more, I think, unfortunately there are so many nicer sushi restaurants around that unless you just want a Pho I would save your tastebuds and wallet for somewhere nicer like Kyoto Sushi in Soho where hands down you will never want to leave!