Maido Japanese Noodle bar — Restaurant in Great Britain

If you have ever been to Japan (even better, Kansai area) and loved it there, then I urge you to visit Maido. But before you go in, close your eyes and picture yourself having a stroll on a casual Osaka backstreet just off Shinsaibashi, engulfed in the wonderful scents of a mix of delicious foods like Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki and Katsu curry, and then slowly open your eyes as you step into Maido; you will only feel great content and familiarity. The friendly smiles of the owners, the wonderful scent of something oishii cooking in the background, the bookshelf full of nostalgic 80s anime figurines, the retro decor and the impressive array of japanese manga classics would simply make you believe you really were in Osaka.

We discovered this little gem 2 years ago by pure chance on our way to Cornwall and have since been coming back especifically for the atmosphere and the authentic food here even if it meant driving 30 miles each way from where we were staying for the night. Whilst it's one thing to find good authentic Japanese food in this country, it's certainly something else to find authentic Kansai cooking, for someone who sooooo prefers the Kansai (West Japan) openness and passion towards food over Kanto's (East Japan, the likes of Tokyo etc, basically east of Nagoya) uptight and pretentiously posh culture, this was like striking gold for us.

The two ladies who run the shop are ever so polite (as most Japanese people anyway) and simply great at making the best Okonomiyakis and Omu-rice (omelette rice, basically rice stir fried in tomato sauce in a thin omelette). The omurice is guaranteed to be a hit for kids and ladies, when the spice loving me enjoys their okonomiyaki and katsu curry so much I seriously believe that I can have it all day everyday. The only down side is, each time I get depressed after leaving the place because that'd mean a whole week of missing my days in Japan and that I can not find anywhere else that would offer the same wonders that I know for sure will be found at this place any time. We have since made 4 trips to visit Maido, and have consistently been impressed over the last 2 years.

If you haven't been here, you need to...

Maido, Torquay is a small yet bustling noodle bar at the top of the high street. The food itself is simply superb, oozing with authenticity and that home-made touch that makes you feel like you are miles away!

Kyoko, the owner was extremely warm and bright upon our first encounter. Even though she was flicking a wok in one hand, and minding noodle, she kept eye contact and provided some of the best customer service I have ever received. She genuinely took an interest in who I am, as maybe she could tell I was new to the area, and through our conversation I brought up that I was going to Osaka in 10 days! She replied extatically that she was born and raised there (although her standard of English was so good I could have easily believed she was a Devonian!) She gave me pointers, ideas of where to eat, and what I should look out for. All whilst multitasking with a million utensils to finalise her dishes, that's not to say I ever felt that she wasn't 'in' the conversation, she must have developed a fine talent to 'walk and chew gum at the same time'.

I wanted to order a million things. Rather than just nodding and accepting my money, she helped me save money by ordering frugally from her menu, explaining where certain combinations may clash in flavour, however the choice was always mine, which she reminded me in a a non-condescending manner. I really believe that her personable approach to service, her passion for her labour and general community spirit permitted me to feel like a regular on my first visit!

I also heard, from a friend who is vegan, that Kyoko and her assistant crafted vegan alternatives to accommodate her diet from sushi to ramen to rice dishes. I mean, not only does that showcase her attention to meeting customer needs, she is able to adapt her business in such a way that she goes above and beyond to create something quite unique in Torquay where vegan food is still largely on the fringe of availability.I have no doubt that this is authentic, real customer service and I believe she strongly deserves...

What a lovely place! It comes off as a family-run sort of restaurant - both times we were there, it was just two ladies running everything.

All of the food that we had was made fresh upfront, was delivered quickly, and was delicious! All utensils are available, so whether you prefer chopsticks or a fork you're sure to have what you want.

We were only in Torquay for a couple of days for a conference, but we were here every day and loved it (so much so that we brought two other conference goers with us on the second day)! Portions were large, packed with flavour, and very good value. Service was fab and the ladies were very attentive. They do have take-away containers, should you have the need to dash off for any reason.

My favourites were the okonomiyaki (which is a sort of savoury grilled 'pancake', as pictured) and the takoyaki (a street food popular in Osaka - basically octopus balls - that I had put in my mouth too quickly to take a photo of!). The gyoza (dumplings) are also lovely!

I just wish I could bring the restaurant back...