Taro, the Japanese restaurant group, has opened its 8th site in Catford this summer, serving their much-loved, authentic Japanese food which is all cooked fresh to order and we got to visit and see why this London group is growing…
The restaurant was packed on an early Friday afternoon – a mix of local workers and families who have obviously become fans since this branch opened. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic and it is enhanced by the wonderful, friendly team who kindly helped us with our order from the vast menu.
We started with Taro’s grilled chicken gyoza and the chicken karaage, both of which were fresh and piping hot, but a special shout out goes to the gyoza which were honestly some of the best I have ever eaten!
We then tried some of the chef’s special snow-crab sushi, which was super fresh and delicious, and the vegetable yaki soba and the teriyaki salmon don. The portions were generous but not overwhelming and the flavours were authentic.
Taro also offers mains including piping hot bowls of ramen, udon noodles and rice dishes, or a firm favourite with the regulars Taro’s Bento Boxes. Served in traditional black and red trays, the bento boxes are filled with all the Japanese classics – sushi, tempura, katsu and edamame – along with hot miso soup and Japanese rice – for an authentic taste of Japan.
To complement Taro’s deliciously distinctive food, you can take your pick from an exciting mix of hot and cold sake, Japanese beer and soft drinks.
Taro Catford will also be serving award winning bottled cocktails from local Catford business – Bottle, all produced in South London, in small batches and natural ingredients. Try the lychee martini fresh lychee juice, coconut syrup and lime pairing perfectly with Taro’s fresh sushi and sashimi.
We highly recommend Taro for a reasonably priced weekday lunch or a more hearty dinner to be enjoyed with cocktails. Please pay Taro a visit – you wont be dissapointed!
About Taro Restaurants:
‘Taro’ is a ‘TaishuShokudo’ 大衆食堂 in Japanese meaning ‘an everyday dining room in Japan’. The group was founded by Mr. Taro who visited London for the first time in 1979 and dreamt of making
Japanese food popular by bringing authentic Japanese cuisine and culture to the city of London.
In 1999, Mr Taro opened the very first Taro restaurant on Brewer Street with a mission to offer the very best authentic Japanese food and now has plans to expand throughout London and the UK.
Both Taro restaurants will also be available on Deliveroo & UberEats.
