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So RestaurantA-Worth Trying

Name: So Restaurant
Address: So Restaurant, 5 Middlesex St, London E1 7AA, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

So Restaurant, 5 Middlesex St, London E1 7AA · Japanese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Seafood restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (640 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

A cozy, family-run Japanese spot near Liverpool Street with standout eel, tempura, and tonkatsu, attentive hospitality, and creative touches; pricing skews premium for the area but many diners feel quality justifies it.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

So Restaurant delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by consistently praised eel, tempura, and tonkatsu, paired with outstanding hospitality that creates a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The reliable execution and convenient City fringe location make it a dependable choice for business dining and casual meals, though the modest room comfort and premium pricing prevent it from reaching grade A territory.

Restaurant Summary

Aldgate’s So Restaurant feels like a tucked-away City refuge where warm hospitality sets the tone and the food does the talking. Diners praise the care shown by the team, sharing lines like, "They treated us like regulars from the first hello," and the room stays calm and intimate even when busy. Located a short stroll from Liverpool Street, it is a reliable choice for business lunches or low-key dinners. The cooking leans classic Japanese with refined touches rather than fireworks. Think crisp prawn tempura, carefully grilled eel over rice, and a tonkatsu with exceptional crunch, alongside black cod in sweet miso and the occasional creative flourish like foie gras nigiri. The culinary approach reads elevated traditional: ingredient-led, technique-focused, and quietly confident—ideal for diners who value precision over showiness. Families will find it approachable, not least because the room stays relaxed and orderly. Kids who enjoy simple flavors can steer toward teriyaki chicken, edamame, Japanese omelette, or maki. Portions at lunch can be modest, so order accordingly. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the staff is accommodating with guidance and the menu includes several gentle, familiar options.

At a Glance

Excellent eel, tempura, and tonkatsu with consistent freshness
Genuinely welcoming, family-run hospitality
Calm, cozy setting near major transit
Pricing sits above nearby casual Japanese options
Some lunch portions reported smaller recently

What Sets It Apart

notable_unagi_specialty
family_run_hospitality
city_centre_transit_access

What People Love

Careful execution of classics like unagi and tempura
Attentive, personal service from the owners
A calm room that encourages conversation
Creative but restrained touches that elevate dishes

Points of Concern

Pricing is premium for the area; some diners feel certain items are expensive for portion size
Lunch portions occasionally reported as smaller than in the past
A few outlier critiques about miso soup or specific bowls do not match the broader consensus
Review patterns show signs of strong positivity but with credible detail and photos; monitor for shifts over time

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£44-60 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For lighter spend, choose Agedashi Tofu (£5) + Chicken Teriyaki (£17.90 lunch) + share dessert
For seafood lovers, pair Octopus Confit (£9.80) with Black Cod (£30) and a crisp sake
Vegetarian path: Aubergine Miso Dengaku (£11) then Organic Tofu Steak (£18)

Perfect For

Client lunch near Liverpool Street
Date night with refined Japanese comfort
Solo sushi and sake at a relaxed pace
Small group celebratory dinner without fuss

Location Insights

Area: Mixed City/Spitalfields fringe with offices, hotels, and after-work dining; caters to business lunches and low-key evenings.

Safety: Generally safe with good foot traffic; busy on weekdays, quieter on weekends.

Nearby: Short walk to Liverpool Street and Aldgate East; near Spitalfields Market, office blocks, and boutique hotels.

WhitechapelA dynamic neighborhood blending historic East End character with modern urban renewal, featuring a mix of traditional curry houses, trendy cafes, and innovative restaurants.

SpitalfieldsA hip sub-district known for its historic market, cutting-edge design studios, and eclectic dining and nightlife options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:00 Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:00 Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:00 Friday12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:00 Saturday17:30–21:00 Sunday

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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