Jusu Brothers (Bar)

Top 10 things to know about Jusu Brothers:

1) The rumours that Londoners don't do spiritual seems wide of the mark when you visit restaurants like Jusu Brothers in Notting Hill. The owners would take offence at being called a restaurant when they prefer terminology such as a “zen cocoon”.

2) The owners are no ordinary folk. They have gone from running the coolest parties in London to a lifestyle brand, London Village Kids Group, that encompasses music, clothing, and nightlife.

3) Stepping into Jusu Brothers feels more like walking into a living room rather than a dining establishment. Green shrubbery is dotted strategically throughout the room to offer a calming oasis; no doubt, they must have consulted a feng shui master on the decor.

4) The staff and the clientele all look like they've walked into the wrong part of town with their Shoreditch hipster outfits but, then again, they could be filling a desperately needed void in west London.

5) Whilst the restaurant has a strong plant-based focus, it isn't exclusively vegetarian; a fine selection of quality fish and chicken keeps those omnivores satiated.

6) The raw beauty of their scallop ceviche makes it stand out as the best dish on the menu with tantalising additions of lemon juice, rice vinegar, and palm sugar to help elevate the freshness of the shellfish. But at £16, it is more expensive than most of their main course offerings.

7) Flavours seem rather muted, as if the head chef specialised in temple food rather than anything more contemporary. The pak choi starter was relatively overcooked but you can't fault the healthy intentions of the dish packed with vegetables and fruits and only a minor hint of wasabi and rice vinegar.

8) It was no hassle for their kitchen team to substitute the salmon in the ramen of the week to a tofu option. It was another virtuous creation: an all-green ramen, basil, parsley, and seasonal greens. Soul-nourishing? Yes. But you do wish it had more punchy flavours.

9) Londoners are so used to black cod being cooked in miso. It seemed almost alien when trying their version with soy sauce and a healthy dose of accompanying side vegetables.

10) There was no sinful salivation at Jusu Brothers, but the restaurant did live up to their motto of “Remedy for the soul”....read more