Defune - City of London,Westminster

Before I learned about 'endowment theory', I was always aware that hoarding items was beneficial for both myself and humanity. I collected a variety of random objects, and perhaps not so random ones as well. I have (okay, still have) a shoe fetish—not for sneakers, but for chic shoes, which means accumulating shoeboxes filled with all sorts of beautiful things that others wouldn’t necessarily keep. Recently, I decided to take stock of my possessions. I opened up drawers, cabinets, and shoeboxes around my home and office. In one box, I found an assortment of woods—small traditional wooden boxes, matchbooks, and some long, thin pieces of wood that I collected from bars. This particular box reminded me that it was an overflow for my matchbox collection, which I still have tucked away safely. Since I was about ten, I’ve kept a matchbox from every restaurant I’ve visited, as well as from places my parents went to. As I grew older and started smoking, my collection of matchboxes took on a new significance, ultimately ending up in a large glass vase in my bedroom. It struck me that I hadn’t taken a matchbox from a restaurant in quite some time. Nowadays, it seems people mostly exchange business cards, and the days of choosing a table in the smoking area are long gone. The ban on smoking didn’t greatly affect me since I had already quit. Although I occasionally witness friends indulging in smoking while out, I’ve noticed that since I stopped, my sense of taste has significantly improved; I can appreciate flavors far better than before. I distinctly remember my first encounter with sushi, which was quite some time ago, before London was overflowing with decent Japanese restaurants. At that time, I discovered Defune, a place I still believe serves the best sushi and the freshest fish in the city. It has been around for years—since just after my birth, in fact. Though it’s somewhat tucked away and could easily be overlooked, the restaurant features Japanese characters on its signage and welcomes diners with warmth. Inside, there are a few tables and a sushi bar. A partially covered staircase in the rear corner leads down to a teppanyaki area, more tables, and even a private room that’s always filled with Japanese businessmen. In that area, there’s a cabinet filled with labeled bottles of alcohol, reserved for regular customers! I won’t delve into the specifics of every dish I’ve tried there—it would take too long—but I can certainly recommend one thing: go to Defune. It may not be the most affordable restaurant, but, in my opinion, it offers the best sushi in London. Trust me on this. Enjoy the garlic confit if you happen to visit, which I highly recommend any night of the week!

A common complaint among London residents, particularly expats, is that the British capital seems to lack quality sushi. While you can find major sushi chains like Itsu, Yo!, and Feng on nearly every high street, these establishments hardly offer authentic sushi experiences.

The sushi is absolutely delicious, matching the inviting atmosphere perfectly. The service is impeccable, and the restaurant infuses your evening with a touch of Japan. It's truly a wonderful experience...

This is hands down the finest authentic Japanese restaurant in London!

Incredible selection of fresh fish, all of the highest quality available in the market.