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Welcome To Sapporo Ichiban
Sapporo Ichiban is a hidden gem nestled in Catford, London, renowned for its authentic Japanese and Chinese cuisine. This family-run restaurant offers an impressive array of dishes, including traditional sushi, sashimi, and hearty bento boxes, all at remarkably affordable prices. Guests rave about the unique sunken table seating, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Standout menu items include the spicy tuna sushi and flavorful katsu pumpkin starter, complemented by unique house-made matcha chocolates with every bill. With stellar service and generous portions, Sapporo Ichiban promises a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of traditional Japanese dining.
About
Sapporo Ichiban
Welcome to Sapporo Ichiban, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Catford, London. This family-run establishment takes you on a culinary journey that blends the best of Japanese and Chinese cuisines under one roof. Located at 13 Catford Broadway, Sapporo Ichiban is a place where every dish is crafted with love and authenticity.
The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The unique sunken tables provide an authentic dining experience that transports you straight to Japan. With a menu that boasts an impressive array of options—from succulent Yakitori skewers to mouth-watering Teppanyaki—there's something for everyone here.
For those craving comfort food, Sapporo Ichiban's Japanese Curry selections, including Beef, Duck, Chicken, and Seafood Curry, promise to delight your taste buds. The Katsu Curries are particularly noteworthy, offering a crispy texture paired with rich, flavorful sauces. Customers rave about the generous portion sizes and the exceptional quality at prices that seem too good to be true.
The sushi here is nothing short of spectacular. Reviewers like Phoebe Green and Esme Schmidt have noted that while it may not be the fanciest sushi around, it embodies a sense of authenticity that is often lost in more upscale establishments. You can indulge in dishes like the Spicy Tuna roll, mixed sashimi rice box, and the undeniably delicious Ebi Yaki. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that allows you to savor every bite in a setting that feels timeless.
Aside from the food, the service at Sapporo Ichiban is commendable. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to recommend dishes or share their knowledge of the menu, enhancing your dining experience. Many visitors have also enjoyed the delightful touch of complimentary matcha chocolate served after the meal—an homage to the Japanese custom of hospitality.
In the competitive landscape of South London dining, Sapporo Ichiban stands out not just for its quality food, but for its unpretentious charm. Whether you're a long-time lover of Japanese cuisine or a curious newcomer, this restaurant promises a memorable experience without breaking the bank. So next time you're in the area, do yourself a favor and visit Sapporo Ichiban—where tradition meets taste in every delicious bite.
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“ We've been in Catford for some time now and have never noticed this hidden gem. We loved the sunken tables, welcoming service, variety of dishes and (really) cheap prices. We got Ebi fried, seaweed salad, salmon special roll and mixed sashimi rice box w/ miso. It's not the fanciest of sushi, but it feels authentic, unpretentious and like you're stepping back in time. Definitely choose Sapporo, a traditional independent family run business, and forget about Taro! ”
“ This is such an underrated gem and some of the best sushi I've had in South London for a ridiculously reasonable price! Don't judge a book b its cover - the front of this restaurant does not do this place justice. The sushi is as good as any I've had at fancy central London restaurants but for SUCH a low price. The staff are amazing, the unique setting (sunken tables) makes it so much fun, and the Japanese-Chinese menu includes all my favourite dishes from both cuisines! I almost don't want more people to find out about this place but the owners really deserve it because they're doing such an amazing job. The free matcha chocolate that they make in-house and give you with the bill was the icing on the cake ! ”
“ This restaurant is one of my favourites. The food is superb, there are great portion sizes, and it always tastes fantastic! The owners are very nice and the food is always at a great price. ”
“ Absolutely love this family run Japanese restaurant and go regularly. The food is incredible, traditional style sushi and sashimi at outrageously good prices, definitely try the spicy tuna. Also excellent kimchi and the katsu pumpkin starter is great. Decor is basic but does the job. Can't be beat for value to quality ratio. ”
“ Has a mixture of normal seating and the low, more traditional seating. Staff are friendly and attentive. Extensive menu. Good vegetarian options. Same with the juices. We went for mango and watermelon, both after good. Had tofu and veg gyoza to start. Bento boxes for main. All the food was and very reasonably priced. Recommended. ”
“ Had another meal at this amazing, family run Japanese restaurant this evening. My wife and I had the starters (pictured) and Salmon Terryaki Bento for our mains. The food is always excellent here (we have been going for over 20 years) and the prices are amazing (by far the cheapest Japanese we have found in South East London). This is why they don't use the delivery companies (who take 30% from the restaurants). The husband (cook) and wife (waitress) team who own and run the business are so kind. I also enjoy their hot saki, beer and green tea (but not in the same cup!). ”
“ Melt in your mouth Eel! The best I've had outside Japan, wonderful atmosphere, very peaceful and delicious. ”
“ We have waited too long to write a review for our most favorite place in London. And no, we are not in the so called new age "food critics" category, whatever that meand. If you're expecting high end service and a katana wielding lesson, this is not the place for you. We are also not "authentic Japanese food experts", as some gleefully label themselves, we just like the restaurant, top to bottom, authentic or not. Service can be slow at times, as it can be experienced IN ANY OTHER RESTAURANT ON THE PLANET, but if you're not going there after a starvation diet or during peak times, it should be fine. Consider that it is a family business and three, four people are usually doing everything, from cooking to serving and cleaning. We often take our own empty plates back or we even clear our own table, as to give them a hand (now the restaurant aficionados are going to have a mild stroke upon hearing this) but that, for us, is part of the charm of the place. Food wise, we have never been disappointed, I mean NEVER, and the price per quality and quantity can't be beaten in London. We are two average people and we never seem to pass over the 25 pounds bill, for both of us. That's literally the cheapest dinners we ever had in London. Since we've been going there for one year and a half we've got to know the staff and they've gotten to know us and we've always been understanding of the serving times or possible mishaps. So, my advice is to go there with an open mind and decent appetite and if you're planning to visit the restaurant at peak times, be ready to wait a bit for your food. And stop whining about everything. 2024 UPDATE: Sapporo has lost nothing of its charm, despite others trying to squeeze it out of Catford (yes, Taro, I am looking at you!). We moved to East London a few months ago but Sapporo still remains our go-to sushi spot in London, and always worth the long trip! ”