Tenshi

If you go to a restaurant on a sunny Sunday afternoon expecting to sit on a terrace to enjoy a good sushi and a cold Japanese beer with your family, and suddenly you find out that is full with people who apparently are part of the team or their colleagues (we knew it later) like they were on a beach having Costa coffee who looked us up and down, it is clear that the thing did not start with the right foot.
We realized that something was wrong, however, we entered anyway and asked about the availability of the terrace to the welcome waitress, very subtly replied that she would tell her colleagues to give us a table, clearly we said no, we were very uncomfortable, we did not mean to disturb anyone, but it is clear that there are no order of priorities.
The restaurant was completely full, at least downstairs, so they took us up through the stairs to the second floor, which I would advise clearly is an area for the benefit of the restaurant instead the guest, otherwise how do you explain the lack of staff and the eternal delay dishes, it was like the Bermuda’s triangle, they just totally abandon you.
Finally, the upper floor is divided into two rooms, we were seated in the most pleasant one, which has natural light from a small window that illuminates the five tables. Immediately as we sat down we asked for some salty edamames a couple of Kirin pints and a ramune (Japanese soft drink), which came after 5 minutes, everything was good by then, at the same time we placed our second food order immediately.
Notably we were the second table to arrive and the first to order, obviously after the first table that was there. Quickly diners were came in and sat down on the rest of the available tables, however, we were perplexed to see how they served others before us, leaving ours last in the requested order, while this was happening, we tried to call the attention of the staff without any success, I ignore if they were ashamed for their mistake or if they were just so stressed running up and down that gave them no time to look at our upraised hands as if we were in a 80’s rock ballads concert, we were just missing the lighters to hold them on.
When finally the waiter approached to our table, we asked him if everything was all right, he answered in a very quickly way «sorry, usually sushi takes times», and left without giving us the time to tell him back that all of the tables ordered after us and they were already eating sushi… They were not interested about us at all, but believe me, if I did not call the waiter to see what was going on, it could take more time.
We were very patient and we decided that this negative detail would not embitter our family Sunday, however after half hour the waitress came with a simply apologize and one of our dishes, a pork okonomiyaki, one of my favorite Japanese dishes, let say it was well done, it may be taken longer because it was on the verge of cooking, almost burned, if I forget for a moment about this unpleasant taste, was very good, although I would have preferred that they charged me a little bit more to enjoy more sauce, it was poor in this matter, I appreciated the nice touch of katsuobushi or bonito flakes, but not so the huge pieces of ginger randomly distributed in the filling that surprised us occasionally with every bite we took.
After receiving the okonomiyaki, the waitress found out my anger and began to get us the rest of the dishes, a tonkatsu pork, past frying oily thick hard pork cuts, my daughter’s favorite dish unfortunately she was unable to eat it. I imagine because it was Sunday, they had run out of sauces, or they were carefully measure them, because otherwise I can find no other explanation why they did not served they way it supposed to be, and in case you were wondering, yes, it was missing a lot of sauce. The tuna and salmon hosomaki, at least they were tasty, well-​proportioned, the rice was well-​seasoned and at the correctly temperature as well, although its presentation was not the proper one.
The idea was to order dishes very slowly, but seeing the situation regarding the service and the preparation of dishes we decided to leave, but took us another fifteen minutes to just ask for the bill, while the table remained full of empty dishes. I took the option of get down to pay, while my family waited for me upstairs. While I was asking the check to the welcome waitress I also absurdly asked for the manager, obviously he/​she was not in the restaurant, otherwise I can not explain such a disaster, but to top it off, after paying, I was stopped by another stressed waitress, apparently she thought and kindly let me knew that I was leaving without paying, it was really uncomfortable being observed suspiciously by almost all the staff.
Rarely happen that I left a restaurant altered, this time was one of them, because of a really globally negative experience, mostly they did everything wrong.

The best sushis I’ve found around Upper Street, went for the first time a long time ago totally randomly but keep on going back now. The sushis are really fresh and it offered all the classics. The restaurant is very small but often really busy so it can be difficult to get a table if you haven’t booked. I also use them very often for home delivery.

Went here for a quick lunch on a Sunday. Service was excellent — waitress was attentive and fast. Food was so so. Not sure if it’s worth the money. Takoyaki and inside out rolls were very tasty though.

The sushi is amazing.
We had loads and it was between three of us.
I can’t remember what we had, serves me right for leaving this review for so long but everything was fresh to order.
There were slices of ginger which I could get enough of, even though it had that ginger bite too it, I couldn’t get enough of it.
The sushi was second to none, we definitely had salmon, prawn and tuna on the rice.
We had two sides of edamame beans, which I’m sure was my first and definitely won’t be my last! They were so morish!
We has ice cream too — I choose the green match tea, which I really enjoyed.
Service was good, maybe a little slow but friendly and attentive. They were quite busy for a Monday night, so that’s a good thing for a business I think.
Would I be back, sure, when I’m down that way again!

The place is small, we were led upstairs and the tables are not communal but quite close together. Not that bad, but if you want privacy and not having to constantly eavesdrop, then maybe go elsewhere.
The sushis were pricy for the amount, so I didn’t order a starter. Now reading most of the reviews here I’m glad I didn’t.
Staff was attentive and pleasant, the meal came fast. Ordered a couple of pints of Kirin, came to the table not exactly cold but acceptable. The pork curry katsu: the swine meat wasn’t best quality, very stringy and hard. The breaded bits were falling off. The sauce was different than any japanese curry I’ve ever had, here or in Tokyo, and not for the best. It was served on a plate when I believe curry is best served (for handling purposes) in a bowl. The flavour didn’t blow my mind at all.
Good location, prices are overall right, service is decent. The kitchen needs to up their game.

The first time I came here a few years back I was uninspired and didn’t make a return trip for AGES. But, on a recent lunch outing with a friend we were in the mood for sushi and decided to have a bento box here. It was a good choice. Nice fresh fish, decent service and an all around nice time.

My friend suggested this restaurant after our original dinner plan was not open on Monday night, and it took no more than a few minutes for them to prepare a table. We were seated upstairs, where the service was not as attentive, but it was rather spacious. The menu had a very good choice of options, and I settled for ordering a number of small dishes that caught my eye. I got the takoyaki (octopus balls) and the kaki fry (deep fried oysters), as well as a bowl of miso soup and soft shell crab chili mayo inside out roll. The takoyaki and kaki fry really hit the spot… those are things you don’t come across all that often, and it’s so nice when they get it right. There were just four of the fried oysters, but they were all very large, so it was a decent portion (glad I didn’t share it though!). My friend got agedashi tofu (fried tofu in a broth) and the spicy miso vegetable ramen. I wasn’t quite a fan of the soggy fried tofu, but the ramen looked good and I was even more impressed that the pan fried dumplings had been put into the soup! The only other Japanese restaurant I have tried on Upper Street is Sen Nin, and by comparison I thought the food at Tenshi was much higher quality and more authentic.

For online orders, this company has outrageously rude, offensive, and incompetent customer service. The upshot: Will. Never. Order. Again.
The short version: While waiting for a delivery order, I received a call about an item out of stock. There was a substitution I was willing to accept, although it was £1 more. I also offered to simply accept a refund for the missing item.
Person on the phone kept insisting I take an alternate item at the same price, and did not know how to refund the initial item. As there was nothing else I wanted, I suggested in that case Tenshi absorb the £1 difference and give me the alternate item already proposed.
This did not strike me as unreasonable, given the issue was on Tenshi’s side and I was already waiting for the order. £1 seems like a small price to pay to show goodwill, apologize for the inconvenience, and maintain positive customer relations. Seriously. And, as it was, the call was becoming unnecessarily protracted.
When the person rudely refused, I requested they cancel the entire order and send me a confirmation email to that effect.
What a waste of time. Over a measly £1 on what was a £35 ticket. This is how Tenshi regards its customers.
I never received a confirmation email, nor did I receive a call from the manager, ‘Sumi’. Instead, I received a call from the initial woman, ruder than ever, to say that they would get to my refund in ‘a few days’. Great, now even more time to waste following up with the bank.
Unbelievable. With all the food options in central London, and in Angel especially, some basic courtesy seems like a smart strategic choice — if nothing else. Also, I was a very good customer and had ordered many times before.

The aubergine is the absolute best thing on the menu, followed by the spinach. Staff are lovely, but I did have to ask for the bill four times. Maybe they liked us and didn’t want us to go…
I advise you book because it gets quite packed, even on week nights.

No-​nonsense Japanese restaurant that’s actually quite good value for money when you know what to order. Their sushi’s not the best (the tuna ones are usually a bit dry as the tuna isn’t fatty enough to make it truly good), but there are a few items on the menu that are definitely worth a try!
I would definitely recommend you order the chicken gyoza, as they are the best I’ve ever had in London. The miso soup is also really good.
Service wasn’t really great in the past but it seems it has improved significantly lately. Also a brilliant place for takeaway (they always tell you there’ll be about 15 minutes wait but I don’t think I’ve ever waited that long).

Was celebrating Chinese New Year here and ordered some sushi and rice dishes.
The deluxe sushi set is quite expensive and I believe it is just slightly better than Wasabi however not worth the price.
I also had the pork katsu curry with rice which is excellent and value for money too.
This restaurant is running by Japanese so they know the deal and favor very well. Will definitely come again.

Generally little quantity and quite strong taste (salty/​too much soy sauce). It’s not necessarily important but the owner is probably not Japanese.
Atmosphere and interior are not too bad, could be look like a Japanese restaurant. Staff members were friendly and helpful. Variety if menu was good and seem to focus on fish (sushi, sashimi)

Been here few times with colleagues for lunch. I always opted for their Bento lunch boxe. There have multiple varieties and but quite small portions. Under 10 quid for a lunch with a soft drink but I personally didn’t ‘relish’ the food. The place is cozy, efficient staff and has a Japanese feel. Was never full when I visited may be it is not a popular lunch time option.

Horrible ! Horrible! Horrible Service!
I came to London on a business trip and Tenshi is right next to my hotel. On Friday night, my manager and I decided to come here for some sushi. We showed up around 6:30 pm when this place was starting to get busy. We opened the door and immediately, a waitress said «we are full». I was anticipating she would say something else like how long is the wait time, where can we wait at, etc. But she didn’t say anything. I asked her how long should we expect to wait. She said she doesn’t know. Probably 15 minutes. We waited outside the front door in the rain for 5 min. I decided to check back with them to get a more accurate estimation.
I walked in, and got ignored by 3 waiters who were passing right before me. They acted like they didn’t even see me there. I had to stop the 4^th one. Before I even said anything, the lady said «no tables here no tables here», and then she started to walk away again. At that time I was furious. I have never seen any restaurant being so rude to potential customers. But I had to give it one last try, so I asked how long is the wait. Without even looking at me, this lady said «30 min».
Well… You could guess the rest. I walked out of the place and I will never ever ever going back to that place.

Horrible, disappointing experience.
Very disorganised, rude service — forgot to put orders in, sat 45 minutes waiting for a plain green salad. Multiple tables left waiting.
When our food finally came we, the quality of the tuna and salmon sashimi was awful — chewy and stringy and couldn’t bite through it.
Sushi rolls were haphazardly constructed and falling apart.
Would have been better off going down the street to itsu. Avoid at all costs.

I ran into Tenshi while searching for dinner near my hotel. The place was empty but picked up after I came in. It was cute little sushi restaurant with two floors (approx five small tables on each floor).
I ordered the Luxury Mixed Sushi platter which came with about 12 pieces of sashimi, 10 pieces of sushi, 6 pieces of maki, and two special pieces (all for about 27 pounds — picture uploaded). My server warned me that it was a lot of food (enough for two), but knowing myself… I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be enough. When my platter arrived, I realized my suspicions were correct; the portion was a bit small. But that’s all subjective, so judge for yourself with the picture I uploaded.
Everything was fine. It wasn’t the best grade fish, but it certainly wasn’t the worst either. I’ve had some amazing sushi in LA, so perhaps my standards are a bit high. But overall, it was an average experience. I finished everything on my plate, and even had room for more. It was a lot to spend for average food that didn’t fill me up (esp. when it’s meant for two). Btw, I’m not fat~~

We really enjoyed the Japanese pumpkin croquettes. Super crispy with a good smooth potato filling. The curry in the katsu was a bit thin for our liking and the batter on the chicken a bit heavy. Overall good food and reasonable prices. We will have to come again to sample more of the sushi items.
Japanese pumpkin croquettes
california rolls
unagi don
chicken katsu curry

We stopped in on a Saturday evening at peak 8pm eating time and were able to get a table so off to a good start. The atmosphere was calm and service was prompt and attentive.
The menu has a good range of appealing yet straightforward Japanese dishes with a good range of sushi items (several roll types and nigiri) and decent selection. Udon and yaki-​soba noodle dishes and tempura plus rice based dishes, katsu, curry and teryaki.
I ordered a range of sushi and it was really good and fresh.
Prices were reasonable AND the quality was there. I’ve been to more expensive sushi places that weren’t as good.
Will definitely be going back for more…

Tenshi, you are an angel… in Angel (!)
We had two hours to kill before our film was going to start, so decided to wander up Upperstreet and try somewhere new. I have not yet moved into the modern world, so don’t have a smart phone and can’t check Unilocal on the go… so we chose to go into Tenshi because the menu on the door sounded delicious, and because there was a Japanese family munching through a huge dish of gorgeous looking sushi at the front of the restaurant (you can’t get better advertising than that!!)
The two waiting staff seemed sweet, but couldn’t speak Japanese. This made me a little apprehensive as it’s always a bit disconcerting to point to the numbers on a menu, rather than just list of the names of what you want to eat! However, I need not have worried! The food came quickly, and was passed my sushi snobbery — Yay!
We tried the fried Hottate (scallops) which were pretty good, and very garlicky. The Tempura moriawase was also not bad — the huge shrimps were juicy and delicious, and I love tempura’d sweet potato and carrots. Nom. Everyone should try the spinach with sesame dressing… it was sooo nice! Nom nom! And of course I ordered a pile of sushi… The unagi was pretty good, it could have been warmer, but the taste and texture were perfect. The sea bream was served with lemon — yum! And lastly the yellow tail and salmon were both looovely. Nom nom nom!

Je recherchais sur Unilocal un bon japonais pas trop loin de chez moi ET ouvert un dimanche (ca a eliminé 90% de ce qui me tentait), j’ai jeté mon dévolu sur cette adresse.
J’avais une faim de loup, je me suis fait plaiz avec une selection à £22 avec un assortiment de sashimi, maki et qql pieces en plus comme du tofu sucré au riz
= Pas mal, le poisson est assez frais par contre le riz n’étais pas vinaigré (ou pas assez à mon gout?), dommage
Bonne selection de saké, il y avait une carte de saké chaud et froid avec au moins 5 de chaque…
Service gentil mais à l’ouest
Si je suis dans le coin pourquoi pas mais je né garde pas un souvenir impérissable de mon diner…

Gute Adresse um Sushi zu essen.
Und für die Preiskategorie ist das Sushi wirklich gut.
Vorspeise und Hauptspeise kamen schnell hintereinander War nicht so schön. Ausch sonst war der Service eher mäßig. Die Damen schienen überfordert.
Der Laden ist meist voll, was natürlich auch irgendwie für sich spricht. Es ist zumindest ein sauberer Asiate.
Das Fazit fällt insgesamt recht positiv aus, so dass ich bestimmt demnächst wieder hier sein werde.

When you are craving Sushi in Islington you really have 3 choices, Akari, Yo! Sushi, and Tenshi. Well, maybe you have just 2 — Ikari and Tenshi if you don’t fancy conveyor belt sushi.
Tenshi serves reasonably priced and well prepared sushi in an intimate and popular restaurant right on Upper Street near the Green. Now that I’ve been here and to Akari — I must say I’m a bigger fan of Akari – the food is more inventive there and the atmosphere (a sushi pub!) is much hipper.
However, Tenshi does gets points for the quality of the fish (I enjoyed both my seared tuna hand roll and my salmon teruyaki), and the gyoza — perfectly made and not overly deep fried. The location is much handier than Akari’s – here you are moments from Angel station.
I did deduct 1 star though as they were out of many items I wanted (no salmon skin rolls, no beef of any kind), what a disappointment.
That said, the quality is A-​Ok and location is great. So 3 stars it is.