Member Review by Kate Dal Forno

It takes months to get in to Ocha, or so they say, so it was with great surprise that we called for a booking and within a few days we were in (must have been a cancellation). Of course we had to be there by 6.00pm and out by 8.15, but at least we were in. I was a little surprised I had not heard of this place before last year given how popular it is. Tucked away in a little shopping strip of Kew, Ocha is a tiny (and I mean tiny) restaurant which is frequently full of locals and regulars all year round.

I am not sure if there are 10 tables...maybe 12... but many are for 2, some are for 4 - leaving not a lot of space between you and your neighbor. Might be awkward in summer but on a cooler autumn night it was just plain cosy.

And the food? Well Ocha offers the standard types of dishes one expects at a Japanese restaurant but each is delivered with flair and difference. Tempura, sushi, pots of udon with broth and poached egg - all delightful. I am not a seafood fan but ate an exquisite sushi roll with crab that was possibly the best sushi ever.

Another highlight was steak and mash - Ocha style. The steak was cooked with Japanese flavours sliced and served with asparagus on a wasabi mash - I am willing to go on the waiting list just to have this again. And to bring my partner who doesnt like Japanese food, but this - he will like. As a convert to green tea ice-cream since a stint in Beijing last year he will particularly like their version. Or I'll pay for dinner. Promise.

I have heard tell that some locals have a standing booking for Ocha once a month - as we were so close I heard the table next to me telling their friends this - but if that is a true story then Ocha truly is a local favourite... Well done.