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Sushi Joy Leicester Square Review: Build Your Own Sushi Box

MissWidjaja — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:00:09 +0000

If you are looking for fresh sushi to go in London, especially around Leicester Square, then Sushi Joy is one of those spots you might have already seen on social media. I had noticed it a few times online, but only recently walked past it in person and finally decided to try it myself.

This review is about my experience at Sushi Joy Leicester Square, a grab-and-go sushi spot in the heart of London that offers surprisingly good quality sushi at very reasonable prices.

This review is part of Foodtober, my October series celebrating memorable food and drink experiences in London and beyond. For another quick London luxury-food stop, read my Harrods lobster roll review.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Sushi Joy Leicester Square: First Impressions

Located at 15A Little Newport Street in Chinatown, close to Leicester Square, Sushi Joy is a small takeaway spot specialising in fresh, customisable sushi boxes. What immediately caught my attention was the variety on display. Everything looked fresh, colourful, and neatly prepared.

There is a lot of choice, and the best part is that you can build your own sushi box instead of only buying pre-made supermarket-style packs.

Prices also felt very reasonable for central London, especially considering the location.

Fresh Sushi To Go in London for Under £20

One of the best things about Sushi Joy is that you can easily put together a full sushi box for under £20.

For my visit, I mixed and matched a few different items:

Unagi nigiri (eel) — £1.89 per piece
Spicy salmon nigiri — £1.89 per piece
Seaweed salad inari — £1.99 per piece
Fried ebi (prawn) — £1.99 per piece

At the time of my visit, my total came to around £16-£18, which is actually really good for central London sushi, especially near Leicester Square.

What I Ordered at Sushi Joy

I started with the unagi nigiri because I absolutely love eel. It was soft, slightly sweet, and had that classic rich flavour that makes unagi one of my favourite types of sushi.

The spicy salmon nigiri had a nice kick without being too overpowering. It was fresh, creamy, and balanced.

The seaweed salad inari was a nice surprise: a slightly sweet, soft tofu pocket with refreshing seaweed inside. It added a lighter element to the box.

The fried ebi was crispy and satisfying, adding a bit of crunch to the overall mix.

Is Sushi Joy Better Than Supermarket Sushi?

In my opinion, yes, definitely.

While supermarket sushi is convenient, Sushi Joy feels fresher and more customisable. You can actually choose exactly what you want, and it tastes more freshly prepared rather than pre-packed.

The textures were better, the rice was soft, and everything tasted like it had been made with care right before serving.

Takeaway Sushi Near Leicester Square

Sushi Joy is mainly a takeaway spot, so it is perfect if you want to grab sushi and eat it somewhere nearby. Leicester Square and the surrounding area have plenty of benches and small parks where you can enjoy your food.

It is also a great option if you are heading to a show, shopping in central London, or just want a quick sushi fix while exploring the city.

Explore More of Soho and Chinatown’s Food Scene

If you would like to discover more places to eat around this part of central London, this guided Soho and Chinatown food walking tour combines pre-booked tables, international tastings and local stories about both neighbourhoods. It could be a good option if you want to explore beyond one quick takeaway stop and experience more of the area’s food scene.

Check availability for the Soho and Chinatown food walking tour.

Final Thoughts on Sushi Joy London

If you are searching for affordable sushi near Leicester Square, Sushi Joy is definitely worth checking out. It is not a fancy sushi restaurant, but it delivers fresh, tasty sushi at great prices in a very central location.

For under £20, I had a really satisfying sushi box that felt fresh, customisable, and much better than standard supermarket options.

If you are in the area and craving sushi, I would definitely recommend stopping by Sushi Joy and building your own box.

Het bericht Sushi Joy Leicester Square Review: Build Your Own Sushi Box verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

Harrods Lobster Roll Review: Is the Viral Roll Worth It?

MissWidjaja — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:00:29 +0000

The Harrods lobster roll has been all over TikTok and Instagram, so during my latest visit I finally tried it for myself.

After previously trying the famous Harrods rotisserie (which you can already read about on my blog), the lobster roll was next on my London food list whenever I happened to be in the neighbourhood.

Located at the Sandwich Counter inside the Fresh Market Hall on the Ground Floor of Harrods, this luxury lobster roll has quickly become one of the most talked-about food items at the department store.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This review is part of Foodtober, my October series celebrating memorable food and drink experiences in London and beyond. For a completely different London food experience, read my Roti King Euston review, where I tried its famous Malaysian roti canai.

Where to Find the Harrods Lobster Roll

You can find the viral lobster roll at:

Sandwich Counter, Fresh Market Hall, Ground Floor, Harrods
Price at the time of my visit: £18

The lobster roll is takeaway only, which honestly makes it feel even more like a little luxury London food treat. Since I was not planning to stay around Knightsbridge for long, I bought the roll and went home to properly enjoy it.

What Is Inside the Viral Harrods Lobster Roll?

The Harrods lobster roll is made with:

Toasted brioche roll
Succulent lobster
Crunchy celery
Creamy avocado
Rich lobster mayonnaise
Topped off with a lobster tail

The first thing I noticed was how soft yet slightly crispy the toasted brioche roll actually is. The bread feels buttery, fresh and luxurious, exactly what you would expect from food at Harrods.

Although the actual lobster tail on top is relatively small, the filling itself also seemed to contain lobster, which made the roll taste juicy and rich throughout. The creamy lobster mayonnaise gives it an extra indulgent seafood flavour without becoming too heavy, while the celery adds a really nice crunch and freshness.

Combined with the avocado, the whole lobster roll feels balanced, luxurious and very easy to eat.

Is the Harrods Lobster Roll Worth It?

For the £18 I paid, I think some people may expect more lobster, especially considering how viral it has become online. Is it super filling? Probably not.

But was it nice? Definitely yes.

For me, this felt more like a luxury snack or foodie experience rather than a full lunch. And honestly, that is part of the fun of trying viral food spots in London.

I also think the overall quality makes a difference. Everything tasted fresh, balanced and well-made. The avocado and celery added a nice freshness to the richness of the brioche and mayonnaise.

Trying Food at Harrods Always Feels Like a Treat

Because I do not live near Knightsbridge, visiting Harrods always feels like a little treat whenever I am there. I never leave without trying at least one food item from the Food Hall.

That is honestly one of my favourite things about Harrods. Even something simple like a sandwich or lobster roll feels elevated and special there.

And now I am already excited to decide what I want to try next during my next visit.

Final Thoughts on the Viral Harrods Lobster Roll

If you are visiting London and love trying viral food spots, luxury food halls or TikTok-famous snacks, I do think the Harrods lobster roll is worth trying at least once.

It may not be the biggest lobster roll in London, but it is fresh, tasty and feels like a proper Harrods food experience.

Perfect as a little luxury treat while shopping in Knightsbridge or exploring London.

Make Your Harrods Visit Part of a London Day Out

If you would like to turn a visit to Harrods into a fuller London experience, this vintage bus tour combines classic London sightseeing, a short Thames cruise and cream tea at Harrods. The tour ends at the department store, leaving you time to explore afterwards, and perhaps try another Food Hall treat.

Check availability for the London vintage bus tour and cream tea at Harrods.

Het bericht Harrods Lobster Roll Review: Is the Viral Roll Worth It? verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

6 Days in Porto: My Honest Food, Wine and Culture Guide for First-Time Visitors

MissWidjaja — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:37 +0000

6 Days in Porto: My Honest Food, Wine and Culture Guide for First-Time Visitors

At the end of May 2026, my mum and I spent 6 days in Porto, and honestly, we could not have picked a better time to visit. The weather was sunny and warm without being exhausting, which made wandering around the city much more enjoyable. It was our first time in Porto, and while I had researched plenty before going, there was one thing nobody seemed to mention: the hills.

We felt those hills every single day.

Still, Porto quickly became one of those cities that makes you slow down, sit on a terrace for an extra drink, and somehow convince yourself that another plate of seafood is always a good idea.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

First Impressions: Porto Is Beautiful, But Bring Comfortable Shoes

One of the biggest surprises for me was how hilly Porto is. Google Maps doesn’t really prepare you for it. Distances often look short, but the steep streets can make a 15-minute walk feel much longer.

We stayed at the lovely Artcore Hotel Porto, which was about a 30-minute walk from most places we visited in the city centre. That actually worked well for us because it gave us time to digest after dinner and enjoy the city at a slower pace.

If walking isn’t your thing, budget for a few Uber rides. They are affordable and can save your legs after a long day exploring.

Start With a Walking Tour

One thing I almost always do when visiting a new city is book a walking tour with a local guide.

For Porto, this turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.

Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the city’s history. Within two hours, we had a much better understanding of Porto’s neighbourhoods, landmarks, and practical shortcuts.

We finished near the famous Dom Luís I Bridge, where I learned something I had always misunderstood. The bridge was not designed by Eiffel himself, although one of his associates was involved in bridge projects in the region.

What I love about these tours is that they help you understand a city before exploring it on your own. We also received useful local tips, including free museum access opportunities that I would never have discovered myself.

Our Stay at Artcore Hotel Porto

I honestly cannot remember the last time I felt so welcomed at a hotel.

From the moment we checked in, the service at Artcore Hotel Porto was exceptional. The staff seemed genuinely interested in making sure guests enjoyed their stay.

Our room was surprisingly spacious; the art-inspired design gave the hotel character, and the minibar was replenished daily with water, soft drinks and beer. An important note: the minibar was free.

Breakfast was one of my favourite parts of each morning. Rather than a buffet, everything was made to order, and you could order multiple dishes if you wanted. Breakfast was served from 7am until 11am, which worked perfectly with our relaxed holiday schedule.

The hotel also offered a pool and sauna, although we never managed to use them because we preferred spending our time exploring the city.

We also arranged airport transfers through the hotel. It cost more than public transport, but after a busy few months at work, the convenience was worth every euro.

Our first dinner in Porto was actually at the hotel restaurant, where we had a delicious sea bass and the famous dry and salted cod after arriving later than planned.

Day 2: Markets, Local Food and Porto’s Atmosphere

After our walking tour, we spent the afternoon exploring the area around Mercado do Bolhão.

This quickly became one of my favourite places in Porto.

I visited multiple times during the trip because there was always something new to discover. One day we browsed artisan stalls and bought a beautiful cotton jacket and a linen blouse. On another visit, we focused entirely on food.

We tasted everything from oysters and octopus to cured ham, sea urchin and fresh passionfruit juice.

A surprisingly practical detail I appreciated: the market has plenty of clean public toilets. When you spend entire days walking around a city, those little details become important.

For dinner we visited Bolhão a Gosto, where we enjoyed traditional Portuguese dishes such as grilled sardines, a meat platter and finally came face to face with the famous Francesinha.

In the end, we were already too full to properly enjoy it, so they were kind enough to cancel this order and save us from a very heavy evening.

Nearby, we also discovered several second-hand shops, including Humana, which became a fun recurring stop throughout the week.

Day 3: A Full Day in the Douro Valley

I booked our Douro Valley excursion about a week before departure because I had heard tours can sell out.

It turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire trip.

Our day started at 7:15am with a small-group tour heading into the famous Douro Valley.

The organisation was excellent from start to finish.

We first stopped in Peso da Régua for coffee and a quick breakfast. Two espressos and a ham sandwich cost only around five euros, which felt surprisingly affordable considering the quality.

The boat cruise through the Douro River was refreshing and offered beautiful vineyard views that stretched across the hillsides.

We then visited Kopke, where we tasted tawny, white and ruby ports. I had somehow convinced myself that Kopke was South African, so discovering its Portuguese roots was a surprise.

Our second stop was a smaller cooperative vineyard near Santa Marta, where we enjoyed another tasting followed by lunch.

The fish and mashed potatoes were genuinely excellent. Even though the meal was prepared for large tour groups, it felt homemade and comforting.

After multiple wine tastings and generous refills during lunch, I was very grateful for the two-hour journey back to Porto. Most of the bus fell asleep.

Including me.

Dinner at Trama

That evening we had dinner at Trama.

I had originally hoped to book Pátio 44, but I left it too late.

Lesson learned: many of Porto’s popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially during weekends, and several close on Sundays and Mondays.

At Trama, the grilled octopus was outstanding. We also shared flatbread, labneh and chickpeas.

The dishes were slightly saltier than I usually prefer, but everything was beautifully prepared.

This was also where I tried orange wine for the first time. After spending the day learning about wine in the Douro Valley, curiosity got the better of me.

It’s definitely an acquired taste.

Day 4: A Michelin-Starred Memory

One of the most memorable evenings of the trip was dinner at IN Diferente.

Traffic around Porto becomes surprisingly busy during dinner hours, so we arrived slightly late despite taking an Uber.

Thankfully, our hotel manager kindly informed the restaurant.

The experience deserves its own Foodtober article later this year because there is far too much to say in a single Porto guide, and I’ll be sharing more about it there as well.

What made it special was sharing the experience with my mum. Travel memories often become less about the food itself and more about who you are sitting across the table from.

Day 5: Is Livraria Lello Worth Visiting?

This might be controversial.

Yes, I think Livraria Lello is worth seeing, but only if you plan carefully.

We booked the Livraria Lello Entry Ticket and Foundation Combo Ticket through GetYourGuide. What I had not fully realised when booking was that the Foundation is located separately, around 8 km outside Porto’s city centre, and transport is not included. We decided to visit only the bookstore, and several reviews suggest that other visitors made the same choice.

We booked an early time slot, arrived about fifteen minutes before our 10 am entry and went inside on schedule. The wait was not long at that time, but the queue was dramatically longer by midday, so I recommend choosing an early-morning slot.

The bookstore is busy and undeniably touristy, but the interior is beautiful. Another bonus is that the value of the ticket voucher can be used towards an eligible book purchase. I left with a collection of Portuguese short stories and a copy of The Little Prince.

A Beautiful Evening of Fado

One of my favourite cultural experiences in Porto was attending a Fado performance inside a historic monastery.

The evening began with a guided tour before moving into the chapel for the concert.

The acoustics were extraordinary.

The voice of the singer combined with the traditional Portuguese guitars created an atmosphere that felt intimate and emotional in a way that recordings simply cannot capture.

It reminded me why I always try to include live music experiences whenever I travel.

Dinner at The Door

After the concert, we walked next door to The Door.

The restaurant had been recommended online, and while it definitely attracts a younger crowd, we had a lovely evening.

The Black Angus carpaccio was excellent.

The kitchen accidentally forgot our steak order due to how busy the restaurant was, but the staff handled it so professionally that it actually improved our impression of the place.

They apologised, prepared the missing dish quickly, and surprised us with a complimentary sticky toffee pudding.

Sometimes it’s not the mistake that matters but how a restaurant responds.

Day 6: A Sunset Dinner to End the Trip

For our final full day, I intentionally planned very little.

We wandered through the city, enjoyed the sunshine, revisited Mercado do Bolhão and picked up a few souvenirs.

That evening we crossed the river for dinner at Ponte de Ferro Restaurant.

The views overlooking the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Douro River and the sunset were spectacular.

We paid an extra five euros for a window table per person, and I would absolutely do it again.

What surprised me most was the level of service. It felt comparable to restaurants charging significantly higher prices.

Booking through The Fork app also gave us a 30% discount on food, making it one of the best-value dinners of the trip.

This dinner will also be featured in Foodtober later this year, because it was one of those meals where the setting, the service and the food all came together perfectly.

What I Loved

The relaxed pace of life.
The friendly locals.
Mercado do Bolhão and its incredible food stalls.
The Douro Valley wine tour.
Discovering Fado in such an intimate setting.
Sunset views across the river.
The genuinely warm hospitality at ARTcore Hotel Porto.
How walkable the city feels despite the hills.

Things to Know Before You Go

Porto is much hillier than many visitors expect.
Reserve popular restaurants in advance.
Book Livraria Lello early in the morning.
Expect dinner to start later than in many other European cities.
Uber is affordable and useful after long days walking.
The Douro Valley deserves a full day.
Comfortable shoes are essential.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely.

Could you see Porto in two or three days? Yes.

Would I recommend staying longer if you enjoy food, wine and culture?

Also yes.

Six days allowed us to explore at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.

I still left with a list of places I want to visit next time, including more vineyards, the coastline and several restaurants that I simply could not fit into this trip.

For food lovers, wine enthusiasts and travellers who enjoy discovering a city slowly, Porto is incredibly rewarding.

Het bericht 6 Days in Porto: My Honest Food, Wine and Culture Guide for First-Time Visitors verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

Portland Restaurant London Review: Is This Michelin-Star Restaurant Worth It?

MissWidjaja — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:00:59 +0000

Foodtober might officially be over, but I couldn’t resist adding one more delicious entry to keep the spirit alive for the last time in Foodtober 2025.

A good friend recently invited me to Portland Restaurant London, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Fitzrovia serving modern British cuisine. It had been a while since I had enjoyed a proper dinner in the city, so I was excited to discover whether Portland lived up to its Michelin reputation.

The evening felt informal, relaxed and quietly special, with a lovely Friday-night energy. In this honest Portland Restaurant London review, I’m sharing what we ate, what the atmosphere was like, what stood out and whether I think it is worth visiting.

Is Portland Restaurant London Worth It?

Yes, I think Portland is worth considering if you want Michelin-starred food in London without an overly formal atmosphere.

The service felt friendly and attentive, the setting was intimate, and several parts of the meal, especially the pork cheek starter and the restaurant’s sourdough bread, were memorable.

My duck main course was not quite as juicy as I had hoped, so the meal was not perfect. However, the overall experience still felt special and well suited to a date night, celebration or relaxed fine-dining evening in Fitzrovia.

Why Visit Portland Restaurant London?

Tucked away in Fitzrovia, a short walk from Oxford Circus, Regent’s Park and Great Portland Street, Portland Restaurant offers modern British fine dining in a welcoming, understated setting.

Portland first opened in 2015 and gained a Michelin star later that year. The restaurant has retained its star since then, but it does not feel stiff or overly formal. For me, that approachable atmosphere is one of its strengths.

Portland currently offers a two-course lunch for £49, a three-course lunch for £59 and a three-course dinner for £95. The tasting menu is £110 per person. There is also an early-evening four-course menu for £55, available for dinner bookings made between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

Menus and prices can change, so check Portland’s current menus before booking.

What We Ate at Portland Restaurant

For starters, my friend chose the crab cavatelli with chorizo, winter tomato and sea herbs, a beautiful, delicate dish with a lovely balance of flavours.

I went for the braised pork cheek with vanilla mashed potato and pickled cranberry, and honestly, it was the highlight of the evening.

The pork cheek was meltingly soft, the vanilla mash silky smooth, and the tangy cranberries added the perfect contrast. Every bite was pure comfort.

For my main course, I had the Devonshire duck breast with confit leg, Jerusalem artichokes and cavolo nero. It was good, although not quite as juicy as I had hoped after such a stunning starter.

Luckily, our Hasselback potato side with black truffle made up for it. It was perfectly crisp and rich, with that unmistakable truffle aroma.

To finish, I chose the warm chocolate mousse with chestnut, meringue and vanilla. I’m not usually a fan of meringue, but the thin, crunchy pieces worked beautifully here. It was indulgent and elegant and ended the meal on a high note.

We paired everything with a lovely Greek red wine, Markovitis “Xinomavro” Naoussa, which complemented the rich flavours perfectly.

I also have to mention the rye sourdough bread served at the start. It was soft, slightly nutty and divine with the butter. Do not overlook the bread!

Atmosphere and Service

The setting at Portland Restaurant London is intimate and understated, modern, minimal and cosy.

The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive, and the pace of the meal felt just right for a Friday night out.

It is the kind of restaurant where you can have a proper conversation over beautifully crafted dishes without the stiffness that can sometimes come with fine dining.

Portland Restaurant Practical Information

Address: 113 Great Portland Street, London W1W 6QQ
Nearest Tube stations: Great Portland Street and Oxford Circus
Cuisine: Modern British fine dining
Opening days: Tuesday to Saturday
Lunch: 12 pm–2:15 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm–9:30 pm, based on the restaurant’s listed last booking times
Lunch price: £49 for two courses or £59 for three courses
Dinner price: £95 for three courses
Tasting menu: £110 per person
Early-evening menu: £55 for four courses
Best for: Date nights, celebrations, special dinners and first-time Michelin dining

Opening times, menus and prices may change. Always check the official Portland Restaurant website when planning your visit.

Book a Table at Portland Restaurant

Portland is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Dietary requirements should be mentioned when making your reservation.

BOOK A TABLE AT PORTLAND RESTAURANT →

This is Portland Restaurant’s official booking link. It is not an affiliate link.

Explore More of London’s Food Scene

Ad – affiliate link: The following GetYourGuide link is an affiliate link. If you book through it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Portland is the better choice if you want one relaxed Michelin-starred meal. If it is fully booked, or you would rather explore several London food stops, this three-hour Soho and Covent Garden food tour is a useful alternative. The guided route includes at least seven stops, although food and drinks are purchased separately.

Check Soho and Covent Garden food-tour availability →

Make a London Day of It

Portland’s Fitzrovia location makes it easy to combine dinner with another London experience.

If you are planning a cultural day, read my British Museum 90-minute guided tour review for an honest look at the museum’s official highlights tour.

For another London restaurant idea, especially before a West End show, explore my Sticks’n’Sushi Covent Garden review.

You can also browse more of my personal London restaurant experiences in the MissWidjaja Food Corner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portland Restaurant London

Is Portland Restaurant London Michelin-starred?

Yes. Portland received its Michelin star in 2015 and remains listed as a one-star restaurant in the 2026 Michelin Guide. It serves modern, seasonal cuisine in a relaxed Fitzrovia setting.

How much does Portland Restaurant London cost?

At the time of this update, Portland offers a two-course lunch for £49, a three-course lunch for £59 and a three-course dinner for £95. The tasting menu is £110 per person, while an early-evening four-course menu is available for £55. Prices and menus can change, so check the restaurant’s official website before booking.

Where is Portland Restaurant London?

Portland is located at 113 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 6QQ. Great Portland Street and Oxford Circus are the nearest convenient Tube stations.

Do I need to book Portland Restaurant in advance?

I recommend booking ahead, especially for Friday evenings, Saturdays and special occasions. Mention any dietary requirements when making your reservation.

Is Portland Restaurant London worth visiting?

I think Portland is worth considering if you want Michelin-starred food without an overly formal atmosphere. The service felt friendly, the dining room was intimate and the pork cheek, sourdough bread and truffle Hasselback potatoes were particularly memorable.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a London food trip or simply want to experience modern British cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting, Portland Restaurant London is one to consider.

Its Michelin star speaks for the quality, but what makes this Fitzrovia restaurant stand out is how approachable it feels. You can enjoy beautifully prepared seasonal dishes without the formality often associated with Michelin-starred dining.

The duck was not quite as juicy as I had hoped, but the beautifully prepared pork cheek, truffle Hasselback potatoes, warm chocolate mousse and unforgettable sourdough bread made the evening feel special.

Whether you are visiting from abroad or exploring your own city, Portland offers a refined yet relaxed taste of London’s dining scene, a little slice of Foodtober magic worth revisiting at any time of year.

Het bericht Portland Restaurant London Review: Is This Michelin-Star Restaurant Worth It? verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.