Engawa, Ham Yard Hotel Complex, London

The tl;dr is simple: this is the best representation of authentic Japanese cuisine I've had in London.

The story of why is more complex. It's a little over two years since Kobe beef became available for import and make no mistake, that's the focal point here. Each of the three evening menu options (3, 5 or 8 courses) includes authentic Kobe (ie from the Kobe region, not just the Wagyu breeds). We tried both sirloin and rump cuts. The sirloin was the 'full' Kobe experience one hears about: simply melting in the mouth due to the exquisite fine marbling of fat. The rump is more flavoursome however so neither is a lesser choice. 

We went for the five course set menu, sharing two different appetisers as well as differing cuts of beef. Compared to the eight course version you miss chawanamushi, shabu shabu, tempura. Nothing essential and you won't be hungry at the end. 

We also took the five sake taster set. Sake isn't course matched like wines (there's really no point). Instead a sparkling sake is served first, then three bowls of differing sake, and finally a warm and 'vintage' sake (unusual as sake usually lasts a year).