Haiku’s concept is best described as exotic Asian cuisine served up tapas-style. A sidestep off the beaten track, Haiku is neatly concealed in the small side street of New Burlington Place; giving it kudos as a central dining experience without all the downsides.

The décor is smart and contemporary with an open plan kitchen and bar. With its thick set mahogany furniture and polished granite floors the restaurant exudes a trendy elegance without being formulaic chic. Dim membranous lighting further enhances the stylish setting, adding to the sense of sanctuary from the stones-throw histrionics of the West End.

The restaurant further benefits from its three-tier design: There is the spacious and contemporary main area with its high ceiling; a secluded balcony area; and a cosy, intimate basement. Or in dining terms, they have ideal settings for business, family and romantic engagements.

The ensemble menu includes Chinese dim sum, wok and barbeque, Japanese robata grills and sushi. In the wrong hands mixing culinary disciplines could be potentially disastrous, though on first bite any concerns are quickly silenced. Haiku boasts a coherent menu which draws together the best of the best, resulting in an articulate dining experience.

Beautifully presented, each dish seamlessly transmutes food into art. The spicy prawn har gau is truly prawn-o-graphic; explicitly tasty and unscrupulously spicy. The black cod is as tender as a lovers embrace; even the most undiscerning palette could identify it from a line up following this assault on their taste buds. Succulent, soft and delicate, the yellowtail was a delightful plethora of taste sensations. Tempura at its best, the soft shell crab was like a shy secretary with a deadly secret; delicate and powdery on the outside and crunchy on the inside.

Excellent service, beautiful food and a great restaurant, enough said.

Haiku
15 New Burlington Place
W1S 2HX
020 7494 4777
http://www.haikurestaurant.com/