The Ninth restaurant review ★★★★★

In a nutshell: Headed by Japanese chef Jun Tanaka, best known for his run at 'Pearl' in Holborn alongside chef Mark Jankel, new Fitzrovia restaurant The Ninth is Tanaka’s long-anticipated solo mission. Tanaka this time presents a French-Mediterranean neighbourhood style eatery with a seasonal menu and fresh, locally sourced offerings – alongside interesting specialities that are pickled, brined and cured.

The welcome: Taking the place of a Japanese restaurant on Charlotte St, The Ninth's in a prime location on Charlotte St, complete, like its neighbours, with terrace and café tables, and nestled between the triumphant ventures of Barnyard and neighbouring Roka. Very reserved, formal (and mostly French) wait-staff share extensive knowledge about the dishes on offer.

The room: Classic and minimalist, wooden tables run the depth of the intimate space, with concrete walls and a bar upon entry. Neither modern nor dated, The Ninth attracts a sophisticated clientele, and its understated decor means the impetus really does lie on Tanaka's cuisine.

The food: The menu itself is split into eight parts, opening with snacks and starters – including sumptuous oxtail croquettes and veal tortellini. – and ending with some mouthwatering desserts, featuring the likes of tarte tatin served with with rosemary ice cream, and freshly baked Madeleines. Diners will find mains of salted beef cheeks, as well as a vegetable course – smoked aubergine caviar with pickled red onion has already caught our eye amidst the vegetarian menu's more unusual offerings.

The wine list offers no less variety, boasting twenty-five red, white, rose and dessert wines. If you miss out on a booking there’s a bar on the ground floor, reserved solely for walk-ins. We're keeping an eye on this new restaurant in Fitzrovia – it will likely book up quickly when it opens in November.

Would we go again?: Yes! Given the talents in the kitchen, The Ninth easily joins join the ranks of high-end Fitzrovia restaurants, and the culinary gems that litter neighbouring Goodge Street.

Click here to book via The Ninth.