Inamo **

Inamo is a Japanese restaurant which is an homage to futuristic, next generation dining. The novelty behind the restaurant is that there are no waiters and that everything is ordered via your table which doubles as a futuristic computer operated by a click wheel mouse.

Hours of fun are to be had browsing through the menu, playing battleships with the person you are dining with, changing the lighting in and around your table and even reading about ideas about what to do in London after your visit to Inamo. All very innovative and futuristic although it doesn't lend much to the dining experience - the first time I went there I was on a date and suffice to say conversation was brought to a halt by the menu computer and all it's intricacies. If you are uncomfortable with computers then this is probably not the place for you sadly.

In keeping with the hi-tech theme the food was innovative, different and experimental although largely unsatisfying. The portions were rather small and the sushi in particular was ordinary. The cinnamon chicken however (pictured) was different and flavorsome however that alone will not encourage me to return to Inamo.

What will encourage me to return to Inamo however is the ambience and decor and the cool factor. This is a great place to go for the first time but seasoned diners, and those of a certain generation, will be disappointed. And if you're wondering who brings the food out if there are no waiters well you'll be disappointed to know that there are waiters there although having computers means they are hidden away in the back.

The prices are also somewhat overinflated and Inamo may consider lowering them if they are to edge into Wagamama's territory of chain Japanese restaurant food. Overall I would rate Inamo 2 out of 5.

http://www.inamo-restaurant.com