Kimaya

Kimaya is a new addition to the St Albans dining scene and brings an authentic, fresh approach to Japanese fusion food. The restaurant's simple, clean, up-to-the-minute decor, buzzing atmosphere, great food and fantastic service make dining here a real treat. Take out a bento box for lunch - exceptional value at just £4.99 for rice, salad, a starter and main - or come with friends and enjoy a sit-down meal.

We started with crisp prawn crackers and tasty spicy edamame - small green Japanese soy beans, salted and cooked in the pod. Although hard to choose between the many dishes on offer, in the end we opted for the spicy Singapore fine rice noodles with roast duck, chicken, prawns and egg and the beef chilli udon - Japanese noodles wok-fried with beef, seasonal vegetables and fresh chillies. These generously portioned mains were subtly flavoured and cooked with skill, using crisp, fresh ingredients.

Fish lovers are spoilt for choice with lots of unusual dishes. Try the uramaki soft-shell crab roll, or a selection from the sushi and sashimi menu - perhaps the flying fish roe, sea bream and eel, or the salmon, sea bass or tuna served with pickled ginger and wasabi. Kimaya is fully licensed so you can enjoy a cocktail with your meal. There is an interesting tea menu too, featuring everything from Earl Grey to nettle and sweet fennel. A convenient home-delivery and takeaway service is also available.