Christoff.ai

Kintan

restaurants•
London
London

Kintan

15-17 Bury St, London W1J 6AL, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Forget everything you know about passive dining – Kintan transforms you from diner to chef with their brilliant yakiniku concept. Nestled on Bury Street in the heart of Mayfair, this isn't just another Japanese restaurant; it's an interactive culinary playground where premium wagyu meets smokeless tabletop grills and J-pop sets the energetic backdrop.

Kintan: Where Mayfair Meets DIY Wagyu Magic

An insider's take on London's most interactive Japanese dining experience

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Kintan and you're immediately struck by the modern dark wood interior that strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable. The intimate booth seating creates cosy pockets of activity, each equipped with built-in smokeless grills that become the evening's entertainment. With a trendy factor score of 7.5 and energy level hitting 7.8, the space buzzes with an infectious enthusiasm – partly thanks to the J-pop soundtrack that gives the whole experience those authentic gaming vibes the AI description mentions. The sophistication level sits comfortably at 7.2, making it upscale enough for Mayfair but relaxed enough that you won't feel stuffy wielding tongs over sizzling beef. It's genuinely group-friendly with a social score of 8.5, and the conversation flows easily around the shared grilling experience. The wheelchair accessibility ensures everyone can join the fun, though the pet policy restricts our four-legged friends to outdoor areas only.

Food & Drink

The star here is undoubtedly the premium wagyu beef – this is Kintan's claim to fame, and they deliver on it spectacularly. Alongside the wagyu, you'll find kalbi short ribs, USDA skirt steak, pork belly, and fresh seafood, all designed for the tabletop grilling experience. The beauty lies in the quality of ingredients combined with authentic Japanese marinades that elevate each piece. Vegetarian options are available, ensuring the experience isn't exclusively carnivorous. Beyond the grilled proteins, the menu extends to Japanese appetizers, rice dishes, and noodles that complement your DIY creations perfectly. The authentic desserts provide a proper Japanese conclusion to the meal. The drinks program features sake, shochu, Japanese beer, wine, and cocktails – a comprehensive selection that pairs beautifully with the grilled fare. Reviews consistently praise the authentic taste and quality, with ratings between 4.4-4.7 stars backing up the premium positioning.

Service & Experience

The staff at Kintan clearly understand their role extends beyond traditional table service – they're culinary guides for the uninitiated. First-timers receive attentive guidance through the grilling process, which is essential given the interactive nature of the dining experience. However, there's a significant caveat here: service slows considerably during peak dinner hours. This is worth factoring into your planning, especially given the price point and Mayfair location where expectations naturally run higher. The team's knowledge of the grilling techniques and timing recommendations proves invaluable, particularly when you're working with premium wagyu that deserves proper treatment.

Value for Money

At a price level of 3 out of 4, Kintan positions itself firmly in the premium category, but the all-you-can-eat options provide genuine value in the context of Mayfair dining. Lunch deals range from £25-35, while dinner stretches to £35-45 for the unlimited experience. Given the quality of wagyu and USDA beef on offer, plus the unique interactive element and prime location, these prices feel justified rather than exploitative. The a la carte option provides flexibility for those wanting to sample rather than feast. When you factor in the entertainment value of the grilling experience, the quality of ingredients, and the Mayfair postcode, the pricing makes sense – though it's certainly not everyday dining for most budgets.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book the 5:30pm slot for optimal grill temperatures and to avoid the peak dinner rush that significantly slows service. Lunch service (12pm-3pm Monday-Friday, extending on weekends) offers better value with the £25-35 all-you-can-eat deals. Avoid Saturday evenings unless you're prepared for a more leisurely pace.

What to Focus On

The all-you-can-eat option maximizes the experience and value, particularly for the premium wagyu and kalbi short ribs. Don't skip the Japanese appetizers to start, and ensure you leave room for the authentic desserts. The sake selection pairs particularly well with the grilled meats.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Snag the booth near the window for prime lighting – essential for those inevitable food photos of your wagyu creationsThe smokeless grills work best when properly preheated, so don't rush into cooking immediatelyPrivate dining rooms are available for celebrations and larger groups, worth booking ahead given the group-friendly nature scores highly

The Final Verdict

Kintan delivers on its promise of an authentic DIY wagyu yakiniku experience, successfully combining premium ingredients with interactive entertainment in a sophisticated Mayfair setting. The concept works brilliantly for groups and special occasions, with the J-pop soundtrack and modern interior creating an atmosphere that's both trendy and authentic. While the peak-time service issues are a genuine concern at this price point, the quality of the wagyu, the uniqueness of the experience, and the reasonable all-you-can-eat pricing for the location make it a worthwhile destination. It's not groundbreaking enough to score maximum points for uniqueness (6.8), but it executes its concept with enough flair and quality to justify its premium positioning.

Christoff's Rating:
7.3/10

Perfect For:

Groups celebrating special occasionsJapanese food enthusiasts seeking authentic yakinikuCouples wanting an interactive date night experience

Quick Details

1

Kintan

⭐️ Interactive grilling
⭐️ Wagyu premium
⭐️ All you can eat value
🎉 Group celebration
⭐️ J pop energy

Interactive Japanese yakiniku transforms diners into chefs as premium wagyu and USDA beef sizzle on built-in smokeless tabletop grills, creating communal theater perfect for groups and celebrations. All-you-can-eat lunch deals at £25-35 offer remarkable value in this postcode, while the modern dark wood interior and intimate booth seating create sophisticated atmosphere for hands-on dining. J-pop energy and attentive staff guidance make first-time grilling feel approachable, while private dining rooms accommodate larger celebrations. The experience combines authentic Japanese technique with social dining energy, making every meal feel interactive and engaging. Fresh seafood and marinated meats provide variety beyond the stellar beef selection, while sake and Japanese beer complement the grilled flavors perfectly.

What's Great

✓ Premium wagyu grilled tableside with authentic Japanese marinades

✓ All-you-can-eat lunch deals offer exceptional Mayfair value at £25-35

Keep in Mind

× Service slows significantly during peak dinner hours affecting the interactive experience

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book 5:30pm slot for optimal grill temperatures and snag window booth for prime lighting

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Thu: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm\nFri: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm\nSat: 12pm-11pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm"
📍15-17 Bury St, London W1J 6AL, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 7287 7269
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Kintan has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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