Despite only launching in 2018, debuting in Beirut, CLAP Restaurant has already made a stamp on the international culinary scene, bringing its experiential dining destinations to Riyadh, Dubai, Ibiza and now? London’s very own Knightsbridge. There had been a lot of buzz about this hot new opening that described itself as a ‘sensory Japanese dining experience’, a description that aroused my curiosity... what exactly made it ‘sensory'? I of course went to find out.
CLAP Restaurant's Knightsbridge venue is an absolute treat for the senses.
Though the initial reception area seemed a little unassuming at first, once we’d been whisked up to the 6th floor via the lift, we were met with a venue that was anything but. The dimly lit, sultry dining room felt instantly upmarket, while also being oh-so-trendy and undoubtedly cool. Once past the open kitchen, which had its very own live sushi counter, we were seated in our little nook at the far end, where we could take in our surroundings in all their glory. Rows of thread-hung timbre blocks adorned the back wall, and reams of fabric furled down from the ceiling, accented by the verdant hanging plants.
As we chattered away, listening to the mellow house music in the background, we quenched our thirst with a round of drinks. My dinner date’s Hurano (£16) had all the elements of a beautifully balanced negroni, but with a Japanese twist, marrying Toki blended whisky, Mancino sweet vermouth, baby Japanese peach liquor and Campari, garnished with a blue-white chocolate orb. Laying off the booze, I went for the Neon Spritz Mocktail (£12), made with Lyre’s Italian spritz, bitter cordial and Lyres classico; a light and zingy concoction with a floral background.
My favourite thing on CLAP Restaurant's menu? It has to be the sushi and sashimi - I mean, just look at it.
To ease ourselves into the evening, we ordered a few nibbles from the ‘bites’ section of the menu. Impressed by the light yet crispy batter that cradled each of the rock shrimp tempura (£20.50) and the accompanying spicy chilli mayo, I greedily ate more than my fair share. Although I have to say the crispy rice salmon (£14) was also a showstopper; the fried cubes of rice paired with the soft, diced salmon offered a fantastic medley of textures. Oh – and I can’t forget about the crispy shiitake salad (£17.50), one of the most unique salads I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. The earthy flavour of the thinly sliced, crunchy mushrooms was balanced with hints of sesame and truffle – serious umami.
Next up, sushi. The wagyu & foie gras nigiri (£24 for two pieces) was incredible. No words, just gorgeously marbled meat lightly torched and topped with a touch of foie gras; it was fatty, moreish and an absolute delight. And, of course, we had to go for a sashimi platter, made up of hamachi (£16.90), salmon (£8), sea bass (£9) and chu-toro (£16.50). Each delicate slab of fish melted in our mouths, elevated even more so by the spicy tingle from the fresh wasabi. The spicy tuna maki (16.90) was also a tour de force, made totally unique by the crunch of the kataifi garnish and pool of tangy aji amarillo sauce.
Oh - and did we mention there are beaut views from the wrap-around windows?
Moving onto mains, we gobbled down the black cod miso (£43), dipping the soft, succulent flakes into the sweet citrus-miso sauce. Being the little piggies we are, we also shared the succulent and fragrant marinated lamb rack (33.90) served with delicately pickled cucumber ribbons. But everything's about balance, so we paired these meaty morsels with the the stone bowl vegetables (£28) which, once it arrived at our table, the waiter theatrically poured a sauce over, making the dish sizzle enticingly.
For dessert, my dinner date ordered a final cocktail – the Bosozoku Old-Fashioned (£18). Mixing Japanese whisky with Rum Eminente & YO, Oabika syrup infused with lapsang souchong tea, Pedro Ximenez and plum salt solution, garnished with a two-week-aged bresaola crisp, this was a smoky, heady sensation with a figgy edge. He paired this with the assorted mochi ice cream (£12), three creamy, chewy orbs flavoured with green tea, salted caramel and coconut. I, on the other hand, decided to indulge my matcha addiction with the matcha cheesecake (£16.50), a generous serving of tangy, unctuous cheese with a very light essence of matcha.
The DesignMyNight Digest
I can now fully appreciate the CLAP Restaurant's description of a 'Japanese sensory dining experience'. Everything was, quite literally, an absolute treat for the senses. And though the dishes were beautiful, flavourful and full of unique textures, this place was about far more than just the food - it was a glossy experience from start to finish, with great music, eye-catching interiors and fabulous drinks. I also have to give a special shoutout to the impeccable service - we were never without full glasses and, if you're clumsy like my dinner date, your floor-bound cutlery and napkins will be replaced within seconds.
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💰 The damage: £231 for two, excluding service charge. 📍 The location: Sixth and seventh Floor, 12-14 Basil Street, SW3 1AJ. 👌 Perfect for: Date nights or fun dinners with groups. ⭐ Need to know: There's also a rooftop terrace and upstairs bar with DJs if you fancy staying a while. |
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