Flesh and Buns is a Japanese Izakaya-inspired restaurant. Izakayas are a regular sight in Japan, informal eating establishments similar to tapas bars. They are ideal to pop into after work with co-workers and to unwind with friends. It is a fantastic option for tourists still deciding which Japanese food to try.
There are two Flesh and Bun restaurants in London. The original Flesh and Buns in Covent Garden is in a spacious underground bunker. The second diner opened in Oxford Circus, which saw the introduction of their generous Brunch feast.
Both restaurants attract locals and tourists, with Covent Garden’s location drawing pre-theatre diners. They offer a daily menu until 6.45 pm and after 10 pm for post-theatre. The price is two courses for £25.00 and three courses for £29.00.
Food
Flesh and Buns’ menu offers a selection of plates. Their sushi, sashimi, and bao buns are a big hit.
Popular bao buns are,
- Beef short rib with chipotle miso BBQ sauce, available for £32.50.
- Lamb shank with teriyaki tobanjan and blackberry vinaigrette at £23.80.
- A vegetarian option is a bao bun filled with Miso grilled aubergine, sweet miso, sesame, carrot, and cucumber pickle, for £15.40.
Bottomless Brunch
Flesh and Buns’ Bottomless Brunch is available at Oxford Circus on weekends.
They serve Saturday brunch until 3.15 pm, costing £59.00, including unlimited prosecco, red or white wine, and lager.
Sunday’s is £40.00 until 4 pm and includes the same bottomless alcohol as Saturday’s.
Covent Garden serves Bottomless Brunch on Sundays for £45.00.
At Flesh and Bun in Oxford Circus, bottomless brunch kicks off with Edamame beans, followed by a choice of Small Dishes, including Korean Fried Wings, Spicy Tuna, and Salmon Avocado Roll.
You then move on to Bao Buns with options such as Chicken, Brisket, Portobello Mushroom, and Pork.
The Brunch feast ends with a Nutella Croissant or S’mores.
S’mores
S’mores might seem unusual for a Japanese meal finale. The campfire treat is more ubiquitous in the US and Canada. How do Flesh and Buns S’mores bring outdoor traditions indoors? Simple, they provide a mini fire, and you assemble S’mores from strawberry marshmallows, almond chocolate, and Graham cookies. They seem well-received as a fun, if sticky, dessert.
Drink
Flesh and Buns serve cocktails, wines, beers, and Japanese whisky. However, sake is most associated with Japan, and the Izakaya restaurant has a significant range.
Hana Awaka Sparkling Yuzu is a refreshing and tangy sake with flavours of yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit.
If you prefer warm sake, one choice is,
Masumi Junmai – Nagano, a smooth drink
A Masu is a traditional Japanese cup for drinking Sake. Flesh and Buns serve Sake by Masu. One option is a Washi, a deep-sea water, which is dry with an umami taste.
Private Dining
For a group booking, Flesh and Buns’ private dining includes two seating areas for 18. They can join together, creating a party room for 36.
Why not take advantage of the Omakase Menu for groups larger than seven? Flesh and Buns offer three menus, £35.00, £45.00, and £55.00, with options of sushi, chips and dips, Korean fried wings, and salmon teriyaki.
Final Thoughts
Flesh and Buns make for a fun occasion. It is an excellent opportunity for trying different dishes in an informal setting, inviting a way of sharing experiences with new people. The restaurant will endeavour to provide an intimate dining option. However, their music taste includes rock, so quiet is off the menu.
The Izayaka-inspired restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, casual and without a dress code.
Our Rating
Address:
- Covent Garden, 41 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LX
- Oxford Circus, 32 Berners Street, London, W1T 3LR
Telephone: 020 3019 3492