Harajuku Kitchen

Popular Bruntsfield spot for locals seeking a taste of Japan.

The 2017 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

The Harajuku district of Tokyo gets referred to as the capital of ‘kawaii’ – roughly translated as cute – for all its eccentric boutiques, vintage shops, pancake cafés and parikura photobooths which have young people queuing out the door. While Bruntsfield isn’t the epicentre of teen fashion, Harajuku Kitchen offers a genuine Japanese dining experience with family recipes that go back over three generations. Like most Asian food, the dishes are designed to share, so ordering nigiri, tempura, sashimi, noodle soup and mochi for dessert is never frowned upon. Small dishes include tender Scottish pork gyoza and agenasu koumi dare, an aubergine recipe that’s packed full of flavour. The specials board changes regularly depending on the produce that comes in, giving the kitchen a chance to show their creative flair – fingers crossed that the salmon tempura sushi becomes a permanent addition. Staff do their best with full tables in an often crowded space, bringing food out as and when it’s ready. If you’ve only got time for gyoza on the go, Harajuku do takeaway, delivery and can also be found at a weekly market in Stockbridge – Edinburgh’s own kawaii capital.

• High point: Set main courses for the non-sharers
• Low point: If you want to share, the small tables don’t make it easy
• Notable dish: Soft-shell crab tempura